Car parking plans for a major student accommodation block in Terryland are being described as “absolute nonsense”.

If approved, it would consist of 84 apartments across seven blocks – offering a total of almost 600 beds.

As well as offering 586 student beds during the academic term, the 84 apartments would be used for short-term lets during the summer months.

And at City Hall this week, councillors rounded on one aspect of the new plan they felt is just not compatiable with the real world.

That’s the car-parking arrangements – with only 16 dedicated car parking spaces planned, and students will not be allowed to use them at all.

Councillor Frank Fahy described it as nonsense to think that out of 600 students, none would be driving a car.

And he said it’s nearby estates that will suffer, as that’s where they’ll end up parking.

Also mentioned was the fact University of Galway offers a €50 annual car parking permit to students.

This, Councillor Fahy suggested, can encourage some students to chose to drive short distances rather than walk or take public transport.

The matter’s now in the hands of city planners, with a decision due before Christmas.