Employers in Galway are set to make a plea to homeowners to rent a room in their house to workers in an attempt to tackle crippling labour shortages – as the city’s housing crisis reaches ‘worst ever’ levels.

The ongoing staff shortage is forcing many businesses – particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors – to either curtail the service they offer, or to shut up shop altogether on days when shifts cannot be filled.

Lighthouse Café announced this week on social media that it was having to close its Terryland restaurant for the day on Monday “due to staff shortages” – and there are many more facing the same problem every week.

A major challenge in addressing the issue is sky-high rents in an extremely limited rental market, according to a Galway City Councillor.

Cllr Níall McNelis said one of the largest employer representative groups in the city was now considering plans for a ‘digs’ scheme similar to that operated for students.

But with up to 30,000 third-level students due to return to the city in the coming weeks, competition would be stiff for any available beds.

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