Galway City Council has made history as 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 via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to lead "WATERWAY," a project designed to revitalise the city's historic canals. With a total estimated value of €4.2 million, the scheme aligns with national climate targets and the Galway City Climate Action Plan.

The project will see the installation of three small-scale hydropower turbines at strategic locations currently under review, including Mill Street Canal, Terryland Waterworks, and the Mclaughlin Building at Nuns Island. These sites often feature existing infrastructure such as sluices and culverts, which will allow for modern renewable energy production with minimal site disruption. The electricity generated will power public infrastructure, including buildings and EV charging stations, while surplus energy will be fed back into the national grid.

Environmental protection is a core component of the project. The micro-hydropower systems are designed to be safe for wildlife, utilising authorised smolt screens to protect fish migration. Independent environmental consultants have already conducted screening for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Appropriate Assessments (AA), concluding that the project is low-risk and does not require a full Natura Impact Statement.

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Derek Pender, Director of Service at 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.''

The project is supported by a diverse partnership:

• Galway City Council: Project lead responsible for strategic delivery and site development.

• University of Galway: Developing new training modules and green energy upskilling programmes.

• Quirke Renewable Systems Ltd: Technical lead for feasibility and the initial pilot installation.

• Galway City Community Network (GCCN): Managing community outreach and workshops.

• Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA): Coordinating policy alignment and replication across other regions.

A central feature of the WATERWAY project is the establishment of a "Living Lab," which will host workshops and site visits for schools, colleges, and community groups. Revenue generated from the energy produced will be reinvested into future local climate campaigns and green infrastructure.

Damien Redington, Climate Action Coordinator at 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's 2025 win for "Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland," the project will also feature an outdoor museum trail to educate visitors on the city's industrial heritage. The first turbine installation is anticipated for late 2026, with the full project expected to be operational by early 2029. New academic modules at the University of Galway are also slated to launch in late 2026.