Additional eMobility Hub sites will open at locations in Dundrum, Letterkenny, and Waterford over the coming months.
The eMobility Hub sites will allow people to select the most suitable mode of transport for their needs, aiming to provide a range of shared public travel options. By providing alternative solutions, it will help to encourage people to try different mobility options when traveling to work or getting around the city.
Project Overview: Encouraging Shared and Sustainable Mobility
This project has been funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the SEAI Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2022 (grant number 22/RDD/840) and is being led by Trinity College Dublin.
The eMobility Hub sites are part of a wider strategy in Ireland to encourage public use of shared transport, help reduce congestion and parking problems in cities, and meet emission targets. Shared mobility is increasingly recognized as a practical solution to the challenges posed by urban development and environmental concerns.
Key Stakeholders Involved in the eMobility Hub Project
Prof. Brian Caulfield, project lead, from Trinity’s School of Engineering, said: “This new hub in Galway is one of the first of its kind in Ireland and the first of four to be launched by our project, with others coming in Letterkenny, Waterford, and Dublin later in the year. Our research will examine how these hubs can offer an alternative to private car ownership at each of our four testbeds and we will also measure the emissions, cost, and time savings from using these shared mobility options at each of the hubs.”
Donal Phelan, Head of Innovation, ESB Group, said: “We continuously strive to explore the potential of new technology to achieve ESB's Net Zero by 2040 goal through three key objectives: decarbonizing energy, building resilient infrastructure, and empowering customers to live more sustainably. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation is at the heart of this eMobility Hub pilot. Working with key partners to deliver this pilot ensures that we are collectively working towards a cleaner, greener, and more connected urban future.”
The Impact of the eMobility Hub on Galway City
Mr. Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council, commented: “This project marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to address climate change and improve the quality of life for everyone in Galway. The electric mobility hub is not only a first for our city but a vital part of our strategy to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility solutions as we work toward Ireland's ambitious climate goals. There may be families or individuals in the city managing the cost of traditional car ownership or considering purchasing a second car – this pilot gives people a chance to try an e-bike, an e-cargo bike, and an electric car to see how these options could play a part in their transport needs – along with the options of public transport and walking – before committing to a purchase. Galway City Council and the people it serves continue to be a leader in Climate Action, and this project re-affirms its commitment to positive change and achieving its 2030 Climate action goals.”
The Future of Sustainable Mobility in Ireland
Dr. Amaya Vega, project partner, ATU School of Business, said: “This hub represents a new step towards sustainable mobility in our region and we are delighted to be the academic partners, expanding our research capacity in transport, and providing valuable insights into travel behaviour, transport efficiency, and the impact of policy interventions.”
Kerrie Sheehan, Head of Research, Innovation, and Electricity, SEAI, said: “Ireland is one of Europe’s most fossil-fuel-dependent countries for our energy needs. A key measure to move away from this overreliance is to reduce unnecessary car journeys and make shared sustainable alternatives more widely available. SEAI is delighted to support this research project conducting travel behaviour trials around Ireland. The provision of electric mobility hubs will assist a switch to sustainable energy options in transport. Knowledge and data from the project will be shared with a wide range of stakeholders involved in future decision-making for clean energy in transport.”
Brendan Grieve, General Manager of Enterprise Mobility Ireland said: “We are delighted to be part of the roll-out of the mobility hub in Galway and additional hubs across the country in the coming months. We are excited to support this project which will provide additional mobility solutions for residents and visitors and allow people to try different types of mobility options that they might not normally have considered or had access to.”
