Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed confirmation that the University of Galway has been awarded almost €1 million in new funding under the Met Éireann Research Call 2024.

The funding will support two major projects — TRANSLATE-3: Underpinning Data (€599,992), led by Dr Paul Nolan, and Integrated Multi-model Multi-hazard Flood Forecasting (IMUFF) (€399,976), led by Dr Indiana Olbert. Together, the projects will deliver advanced climate projections for Ireland and develop innovative new tools to forecast complex flood events.

Minister Canney said: “This is a significant investment in Galway’s research capacity that will deliver real benefits nationally. The University of Galway is leading cutting-edge work to better understand how our climate is changing and to improve our ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather and flooding. These projects will help communities right across Ireland to adapt and build resilience.”

The TRANSLATE-3 project will update climate projections for Ireland using the latest global climate model data, providing short-term (annual to decadal) forecasts and exploring their practical application in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and emergency planning.

The IMUFF project will tackle the growing threat of compound coastal-fluvial flooding by developing an advanced, integrated forecasting system that accounts for river flows, tides, and storm surges — providing more accurate and timely warnings for at-risk communities.

Minister Canney added: “Galway’s leadership in climate and environmental science is something we can be proud of. This work will not only enhance national climate services but also directly support decision-makers and local authorities in protecting people, homes, and livelihoods from the impacts of climate change.”

Met Éireann awarded €2.8 million in total to six university projects nationwide under its 2024 Research Call, aimed at strengthening Ireland’s capacity to address climate change, extreme weather, and environmental sustainability.