‘Back’ Promenade and Doughiska among locations to benefit from new scheme

Lighting at 28 locations across the city is being replaced by LED lights to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency.
Galway City Council has a total of 9,260 public lights throughout the city. Under the current programme which began last year, some 2,239 lanterns have been earmarked for replacement.
It has set a target of delivering energy savings of between 50 and 60 per cent by upgrading public lighting to LED with schemes set to pay for themselves between eight and 12 years as a result of the energy cost savings.
Among the areas that have been done or are on track to be completed are Salthill Promenade, Coolagh Roundabout, Doughiska, Tur Uisce and An Fiodan.
The most decorative lanterns are earmarked for Salthill, where 89 of the stylish lamps will be replaced because parts are no longer available – this process is already underway.
With an energy saving of 61% compare to the existing lamps, the Council estimates it will save over €6,000 a year in energy costs, with a project payback within 12 years.
“The works at South Park and the walkway from Blackrock behind Galway Golf Club has yet to begin. We are still awaiting parts to be delivered in advance of works commencing,” said a Council spokesman.
“The low-level lighting will be installed as soon as possible and when working will automatically switch off each night at midnight.”
A detailed infrastructure survey of 25 estates which was carried out last year found that 22 of the estates require remedial works before being upgraded to LED.
The average cost of that work is €4,500.
As well as reducing lighting and maintenance costs, the LED lighting reduces carbon emissions, the number and severity of night time road accidents and street crime.
It also increases evening activity and promotes the “evening economy” and helps emergency services and Gardaí through clearer footage from CCTV.
City West area ccouncillor, Donal Lyons, said he was thrilled to see the installation of public lighting along the ‘back Prom’ is nearly complete.
“This is an issue which I have been campaigning for, for some time; to provide public lighting in South Park and from Blackrock to the caravan park. Over the years, I was successful in including funding in the Galway City Council Annual Budget for the provision of the public lighting.
“When there was flooding damage to the back Prom a number of years ago, I requested at the time that the provision of ducting would be included in the repairs being carried out. The inclusion of this ducting has been of great assistance in the overall installation of the lights now being installed.
“I believe that the installation of the lighting along this part of the Promenade will enhance the amenity aspect of the Promenade and lead to its further use during the winter months.
“Last year the Government provided funding for walking and cycling initiatives as part of the Government’s July Stimulus Plan which was designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
“The Government funding together with the funding set aside by Galway City Council ensured that the project is now being completed,” said Cllr Lyons.