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Both GMIT and NUI Galway this week cranked up their plans to tackle the anti-social behaviour of some of their students.
GMIT contacted all students via email to make them aware of complaints from Renmore residents into anti-social behaviour in some residential estates and a letter was also delivered to each house from the GMIT Students' Union asking students to consider their neighbours.
Meanwhile, NUI Galway launched their 'Community Spirit Initiative', which they aim to educate students in the importance of respect for their fellow residents.
Students' Union President Donna Cummins said she was very disappointed to hear one of the highest-ranking Gardaí in Galway report of poor student behaviour this year.
"We are very sad to hear Supt Curley have to call on students to behave themselves. The Students' Union takes a very dim view of such behaviour, but it is such a small minority that are giving the rest a bad name."
The GMIT statement included some hard-hitting statements and highlighted that any breach of the Code of Conduct would see students prosecuted.
It said: "No parties should be held in residential areas, as they can attract undesirable visitors. Please remember that the occupiers of a house are responsible for the behaviour of everyone there including visitors" and that "prosecutions will be initiated for serious incidents".
In a statement, the college condemned the anti-social behaviour of students in recent weeks and said it "is endeavouring to put an end to it, with the support of the GMIT Students Union".
A meeting took place last Wednesday with representatives from the local residents group and GMIT representatives including Mr Jim Fennell, Secretary/Financial Controller of GMIT and Mr Bernard O'Hara, Registrar, GMIT. Cllr Brian Walsh and Cllr Michael Crowe also attended the meeting and several actions were guaranteed as a result.
Among the actions promised was the fact that GMIT will not sanction Rag Week next year. All students renting houses in one of the hardest-hit residential estates were called in front of the GMIT management on Monday last to discuss on the issues and explain their behaviour.
In the letter sent to the students of one particular Renmore estate, the GMIT SU made students aware that complaints had been made against them.
"Both the college and the Gardaí have a no tolerance policy in relation to anti-social behaviour and will discipline students accordingly. All students, in addition to complying with the law must abide by the rules laid out in the GMIT code of conduct, and also have regard to the fact that their behaviour reflects on the reputation of GMIT," the Student Union letter read.
One homeowner from Renmore, explained how herself and her family were forced from the area after incessant abuse from six student houses.
"We bought out home in Renmore ten years ago and loved the first seven. Then the rent dropped around us and the students started moving in.
"We have had to put up with all-night parties, parties out on the common green area, damage to our vehicles and severe noise all throughout the week. It is like Quay Street on a Saturday night.
"What are we supposed to do apart from waiting for a miracle? Every time I turned into the estate after work, you were just waiting to see what would be next.
"The college needs to make an example of some student. They seem to have lost the run of themselves. You'd think they were born with a mobile phone in their hand, a big bank balance and a fancy car. It is just not on," she said.
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