Expert information to help residents improve home comfort, reduce energy costs, and learn about sustainable upgrades
Galway City Council is inviting residents to a new series of Energy Efficiency Evenings taking place across the city throughout 2026. These free, community-focused events will give residents the opportunity to learn more about improving home energy performance, reducing energy bills, and discovering practical retrofit options.
The first event of the series will take place in Knocknacarra Community Centre on Tuesday, 31 March at 6:00pm, marking the official launch of the initiative. This opening evening will feature information stands, expert talks, demonstrations of energy‑related technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps, and electric bicycles, guidance on available grants, and opportunities for residents to speak directly with professionals working in home energy upgrades, finance, and sustainability. Galway City Council’s Climate Action Team will also be present to share updates on city‑wide programmes and actions under the Local Authority Climate Action Plan.
Building on the success of similar events in recent years, this series of events aims to make practical, accessible, and trusted information available to communities across Galway. Council‑facilitated and community‑centred, the series will run throughout the year in neighbourhoods across the city.
Event Dates
All events will take place in the evening.
- Knocknacarra Community Centre – Tuesday 31 March at 6:00pm.
- Renmore Community Centre – Tuesday 30 June at 6:00 pm.
- Westside Community Centre – End of September (date TBC).
- Ballinfoile Community Centre – Tuesday 1 December at 6:00pm.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, added, “This initiative is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the options available to them, from grants and funding routes to technologies such as insulation, solar energy, and heat pumps. Each event will offer clear advice and real‑world examples to help people make informed decisions. I encourage as many people as possible to attend the Knocknacarra launch event and the further evenings throughout the year.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said, “We are pleased to launch this new series of Energy Efficiency Evenings, beginning with Knocknacarra. These evenings support Galway City Council in delivering on the commitments set out in our Local Authority Climate Action Plan, our responsibilities under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021, and our participation in the national SDG Champions Programme 2025-2027. Community‑focused initiatives like this are essential to meeting our city‑wide climate and energy targets.”
What residents can expect
Each Energy Efficiency Evening will include:
- Information stands hosted by organisations specialising in energy efficiency, home retrofitting, renewable technologies, and financial support.
- A presentation on available grants, funding routes, and home energy upgrade options, helping residents find the most suitable pathways for improving their homes.
- Opportunities to speak directly with technical experts and advisors enabling residents to ask questions and get clear, practical guidance specific to their needs.
- Demonstrations of energy‑related technologies, including electric mobility and retrofit equipment to show how these technologies work in practice and how they can improve comfort, reduce energy use, and support more efficient homes.
- Information from Galway City Council’s Climate Action Team on ongoing actions, projects, and supports across the city in the delivery of the Local Authority Climate Action Plan.
One lucky resident will win a free Home Energy Assessment at each event, with winners selected through a raffle by the prize sponsor. Discounted Home Energy Assessments will also be made available directly from the provider to all attendees.