A new shared eMobility eHub has been launched in Galway City, providing the public with access to electric vehicles, e-bikes, and e-cargo bikes. Each purpose-built eHub will feature an ESB charge station, one e-cargo bike, four e-bikes, and two shared electric vehicles from Enterprise Car Club, available for booking by the hour or day.
Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), ESB, and Enterprise Car Club, officially opened the first of four eHubs at Westside Library Car Park, a key location within Galway’s decarbonisation zone. Additional eHubs will be introduced in Dundrum, Letterkenny, and Waterford in the coming months.
These hubs aim to provide a range of shared transport options, encouraging people to explore alternative modes of travel for commuting and daily journeys. By offering accessible and sustainable choices, the initiative hopes to reduce reliance on private car ownership.
Funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the SEAI Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2022 (grant number 22/RDD/840), the project is led by Trinity College Dublin.
The eHubs form part of Ireland’s wider strategy to promote shared mobility, ease congestion, reduce parking issues, and contribute to emissions reduction targets. As urban areas face increasing environmental challenges, shared transport solutions are becoming an essential part of sustainable city planning.
Project Leaders and Partners on the Importance of eHubs
Professor Brian Caulfield, project lead from Trinity’s School of Engineering, stated:
“This new hub in Galway is one of the first of its kind in Ireland, with three more planned in Letterkenny, Waterford, and Dublin later this year. Our research will examine how these hubs can serve as viable alternatives to private car ownership, and we will measure the emissions, cost, and time savings associated with using these shared mobility options.”
Donal Phelan, Head of Innovation at ESB Group, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to sustainability:
“At ESB, we are dedicated to achieving Net Zero by 2040 through decarbonising energy, strengthening infrastructure, and empowering customers to adopt sustainable lifestyles. This eMobility Hub pilot reflects our drive for innovation and collaboration to create a cleaner, greener, and more connected urban future.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, welcomed the initiative:
“This project is a significant step in our climate action strategy, supporting Galway’s commitment to reducing emissions and advancing sustainable transport. The hub offers individuals and families an opportunity to test electric mobility options—whether an e-bike, an e-cargo bike, or an electric car—before making a long-term decision on transport. Galway continues to lead in climate action, and this project reinforces our commitment to achieving our 2030 climate goals.”
Dr Amaya Vega, project partner from ATU School of Business, emphasised the research potential of the initiative:
“This hub represents a step forward in sustainable mobility for our region. As academic partners, we are expanding our research into travel behaviour, transport efficiency, and the impact of policy interventions.”
Kerrie Sheehan, Head of Research, Innovation and Electricity at SEAI, pointed out Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and the need for sustainable alternatives:
“Reducing unnecessary car journeys and expanding shared mobility options is crucial in tackling our reliance on fossil fuels. SEAI is pleased to support this research, which will provide valuable insights into travel behaviour and help shape future policies for clean energy in transport.”
Brendan Grieve, General Manager of Enterprise Mobility Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the project:
“We are excited to support the roll-out of these mobility hubs in Galway and across Ireland. This initiative provides residents and visitors with additional transport choices, allowing them to explore options they may not have previously considered.”
Enterprise Car Club is currently offering a complimentary one-year membership (usually €40) and €10 driving credit for new members. More details can be found at Enterprise Car Club.
For further information about the project and e-bike bookings, please visit the ROBUST project webpage.