Plans to turn Galway residential development into student accommodation and short-term letting
A revised planning application has been lodged for the Chaplaincy House site in Ballybane, Galway City, seeking to convert a previously approved residential development into student accommodation.
The previous permission was granted by Galway City Council and An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2022 for the development of six residential apartments with a variety of three-bed and five-bed units in two blocks.
Submissions and an appeal were made primarily concerning loss of light to neighbouring houses. The board did not find adequate reason to take on the appeal and granted the planning permissions with 25 conditions.
However, no work had commenced corresponding with the original application and a new planning application was submitted in September 2025.
This contains the same proposal for two, three-storey buildings fit with eight car parking spaces, however proposed as student accommodation use rather than residential. It also includes additions to satisfy pre-planning consultation suggestions and previous submissions with some minor design amendments.
Increased footprint of the building from 434sqm to 726sqm is proposed with the construction of service rooms, bike and bin storage, and communal areas. A set down area is now built into the proposal.
A significant change from the previous application is that the development is intended to be used as short-term visitor housing during the summer months.
An operations management plan was submitted with the application outlining specific stipulations that students will be expected to adhere by during their lease in the building. This includes how the short-term lets will be managed.
The site is located beside Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and approximately a one-hour walk from University of Galway. Glasán Village, an existing student accommodation complex, is situated south of the proposed site.
Public submissions on the revised application remain open and a decision is due by November 11.