Donegal council to trial water-powered street lights

Donegal County Council is set to become what is believed to be the first local authority in Ireland to use water powered street lights. The council’s energy development officer Toni Needham said a private company had been contracted to install a “hydro light” on a footbridge over the River Finn in Ballybofey. She said that once water levels drop a micro hydro-turbine will be installed under the bridge which links Jackson’s Hotel and the scenic Drumboe Woods. Water flowing downstream will pass through the 110 watt turbine and generate enough power to charge batteries which will run the 30 watt LED light on the bridge above. The council is currently piloting a number of technologies as part of their programme for renewable and low energy lighting.

The Irish Times