Galway City Council has become the first local authority in Ireland to receive funding under the European Urban Initiative (EUI) – Innovative Actions programme. The Council has been awarded €3,363,213 through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to lead a pioneering project called WATERWAY, which will revitalise the city’s historic canals as a source of clean energy, education, and public engagement. The total project value is estimated to be €4.2 million and reflects Galway’s growing leadership in local climate innovation. WATERWAY is fully aligned with the Galway City Climate Action Plan and Ireland’s national targets under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts.
Reactivating Galway’s Waterways
WATERWAY will see the installation of three small-scale hydropower turbines at selected sites, bringing the canals that once powered the city’s mills and industries back to life. The proposed locations currently being reviewed are the Mill Street Canal, Terryland Waterworks and the Mclaughlin Building, Nuns Island, the locations will undergo detailed design to finalise appropriate design considerations.
Some of the locations being considered already contain existing infrastructure such as turbines, sluices and culverts, allowing for modern energy production with minimal disruption to sites.
These turbines will harness the natural flow of the canals to generate electricity for public use, including powering buildings and EV charging, while also delivering clean, renewable energy back to the electrical grid.
The micro hydropower initiative is safe for wildlife above and below the water. This project involves the modernisation of existing systems and adheres to the published guidelines in Ireland and the EU. Authorized smolt screens are used to prevent any fish from entering, who can pass downstream as normal through a free-flowing passage, avoiding any disruption to fish migration patterns. No equipment will be installed in the main Corrib river, and the project will strictly focus on the city's purpose-built existing industrial canals. More information about the hydropower turbines can be found on the project website.
The WATERWAY project team has completed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening, and also Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening for each location. The screening process has been undertaken by leading independent expert Irish environmental consultants. This detailed process has unanimously concluded that the project is screened out of the requirement for a full EIA, AA/NIS (Natura Impact Statement). This determination confirms the project is very low risk and will not have adverse effects on the environment. The initiative is delivered in full compliance with Irish planning regulations and EU directives.
A Model for Ireland and Beyond
This announcement comes after the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) highlighted the urgent need for faster action to meet climate goals. WATERWAY responds to that challenge by offering a scalable model for energy transition in Irish cities.
Derek Pender, Director of Service, Galway City Council said, “This initiative represents a significant step forward in Galway’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Once operational, the Galway City project will serve as a demonstration site for other local authorities across Ireland and the EU, showing how underused water infrastructure can be reimagined to deliver positive environmental, economic, and social impacts.’’
Strong Local and European Partnership
The project brings together a highly skilled team of local, regional, and international partners:
- *Galway City Council – Project lead, site development, public engagement, and strategic delivery.
- *University of Galway – Creation of new training modules and upskilling programmes in green energy technologies aimed at students, early-career professionals, and local residents interested in sustainability and climate innovation.
- *Quirke Renewable Systems Ltd – Technical lead on feasibility studies and delivery of the initial hydropower pilot installation.
- *Galway City Community Network (GCCN) – Leading community outreach, workshops, and inclusion of local voices.
- *Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) – Coordination of replication activities, policy alignment, and dissemination.
All partners were invited by Galway City Council to participate through a collaborative process, based on their individual expertise. Together, the partners have developed a compelling vision for the city’s future, securing approval and funding from the European Commission.
Galway City Council and its partners will work closely with engineering consultants, environmental experts, and other key stakeholders to ensure the project delivers measurable benefits in energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and public awareness.
Education, Community and Legacy
Damien Redington, Climate Action Coordinator, Galway City Council said, “A key component of WATERWAY is the establishment of a Living Lab - a space for workshops, learning experiences, and site visits aimed at schools, colleges, community groups, and the public. This will ensure Galway residents are not only informed but actively involved in the city’s climate transformation. The project will also help train Ireland’s next generation of climate professionals, with new academic modules developed by the University of Galway focused on hydropower, sustainability, and innovation. Importantly, the energy generated through WATERWAY will provide ongoing revenue that is reinvested into local climate initiatives, community campaigns, and future green infrastructure.’’
Building on Galway City’s Water Heritage
In 2025, Galway City Council was named the winner of the All Ireland Community and Council Awards “Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland” award, celebrating its work in opening up canals and rivers as public amenities. WATERWAY will build on that success by creating a new outdoor museum trail, allowing residents and visitors to learn about Galway’s industrial past and sustainable future.
The turbines will both power infrastructure and become educational landmarks, embedded into Galway’s green urban fabric.
What’s Next?
The project is currently in its early phase, with site preparation, engineering studies, and public engagement underway. Galway City Council has launched a dedicated website where the public can track progress, explore resources, and get involved in upcoming workshops and events, link to website.
When are the hydropower turbines likely to be installed?
The first turbine installation is expected in late 2026, following detailed feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and community engagement. The remaining two installations will be publicly procured to appoint a contractor later in the project lifecycle, with all systems scheduled to be operational by the end of the project in early 2029.
When will UoG likely have courses underway?
The University of Galway is currently developing new modules and training opportunities in renewable energy and hydropower as part of the WATERWAY project. These are expected to launch in late 2026, with pilot programmes and short courses offered initially, followed by integration into formal academic programmes in the following years.
WATERWAY runs until March 2029, but its legacy — in clean energy, education, community benefit, and heritage preservation — will extend well beyond the project’s formal end date.
For more information, visit: www.GalwayCity.ie
Or contact: Climate@GalwayCity.ie