Galway canal turbine project awarded to Quirke Renewables despite concerns over sister company
Galway City Councillors have confirmed the procurement of Quirke Renewable Systems for a hydro turbine project in the city’s canals, despite previous concerns raised about a sister company. A memorandum of understanding has now been signed to move the project forward.
The issue was first raised at the October council meeting by Councillor Shane Forde, who said “numerous constituents” had contacted him about the matter. His concerns stemmed from an incident involving EcoHydro, a sister company to Quirke Renewables, and a project at the K Club in Kildare.
EcoHydro had been tasked with upgrading the hydroelectric generator at the luxury golf resort. However, it later emerged that the generator was not covered by any planning permission. Kildare County Council subsequently investigated the K Club, which then switched off the turbine in May 2025.
“We can't have a project proceeding with negotiations with the different people involved and have any doubts hanging over us,” Cllr Forde had stated.
At the November meeting, Director of Services Derek Pender confirmed Quirke Renewables as the chosen partner for Galway’s canal project. The plan will see three turbines installed to generate electricity for designated sites, including a building at the University of Galway, EV charging stations on Mill Street, and two turbines near Terryland feeding back into the grid.
During the procurement and contract signing process, Quirke Renewables completed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) as well as various queries which makes them “obliged under EU legislation” to carry out the works agreed upon.
He told councillors the executive was “satisfied” with both the company’s responses and internal observations.
Environmental concerns were also raised during the meeting, with some critics describing the turbines as “fish mincers.”
Mr Pender countered that turbines already exist at the proposed sites, saying the project would be “simply renewing infrastructure that has been there for a hundred years.” He pointed to the mill wheel on Mill Street, still in place since the 19th century, as an example of the long-standing hydro heritage in the city.