The accommodation crisis in Galway city has deepened in recent weeks as students scramble for a bed – and Ukrainian refugees fear losing out on their current abodes as a result.

To compound the issue, a warning has been issued this week to renters to be wary of scammers ready to pounce on those desperate to get a roof over their head.

NUIG Students’ Union has been inundated with frantic calls from those seeking a bed ahead of the return to college next month – even some of those in their fourth year of study are now facing a daily commute from as far away as Dublin as a result of the shortage.

SU Vice President, Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, said some were being forced to fork out €1,200 a month in rent and she warned against the highly dangerous practice of paying a deposit before seeing a property – a frequent scam that leaves students out of pocket and without digs.

“Never rush into getting accommodation, be cautious and insist on receipts and any repairs where necessary,” she said.

At the same time, Ukrainian representatives are desperately seeking new rooms from householders, as their time in student-specific accommodation expires.

This ‘perfect storm’ in the rental market is heaping pressure on hundreds of vulnerable accommodation seekers trying to secure a base in a city that this week had just 19 properties available to rent – 18 of which were over €1,000 per month.

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