Students at NUI, Galway, have voted in favour of a new levy that will fund a €20 million sports facility and €5 million cultural centre on the college campus.
The result of the referendum held late last week by the NUI Galway Students' Union has been welcomed by the university. A total of 2,838 students voted - out of a total student population of 14,000 - and an overwhelming majority of 1,974 students favoured the levy. Some 820 students voted against the levy, and there were 44 spoiled votes.
The size of the levy has to be negotiated by NUI Galway Students' Union with the college authorities, but may amount to €100. This will be in addition to the rise in student registration fees, increased from €670 to €750 in the Budget Estimates. Mr Shane Cosgrove, press officer for NUI Galway Students' Union, said that the turnout was the highest recorded in any recent student vote.
The proposed €20 million sports facility will include a swimming pool, gym and fitness suite in a purpose-built premises. A new entrance to the campus will also be constructed as part of the development. The proposed €5 million cultural centre will be developed in the Áras na MacLeinn centre, following construction of the sports centre.
NUI Galway says that the cultural centre will include a cinema, and a large performance venue in addition to other related facilities. The college authorities welcomed the outcome of the student vote.