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Dr. John Gallagher

Associate Professor (Civil Struct & Env. Eng.)
CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING (NEW)
      
Profile Photo

Dr. John Gallagher

Associate Professor (Civil Struct & Env. Eng.)
CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING (NEW)

 J.Gallagher@tcd.ie

 3531896 1638


  Air Pollution   Air pollution monitoring and assessment   Air quality modelling   AIR QUALITY MONITORING   AIR-FLOW   AIR-QUALITY   Buildings, Commercial Energy Use   Buildings, Residential Energy Use   Built Environment   circular economy   ecodesign   eco-design   ENERGY   ENERGY EFFICIENCY   Energy Environmental Sciences   Environmental Design   Environmental Effects, Hydropower   Environmental engineering   Environmental Engineering, Pollution Control   Environmental Impacts, Interactions   Environmental pollution in urban environments   Environmental resource management   Fluid Dynamics   Hydro Energy   Hydroelectricity, Hydropower   life cycle assessment   Life cycle management, analysis   Lifecycle analysis   Natural Resources   Natural Resources Management   passive constructions   Renewable energy   Renewable Energy Sources   Resources/Availability, Renewable Energy   URBAN AIR QUALITY MODELLING   Urban Forestry   Urban Planning/Policy
Project Title
 STATION-AIR: Investigating the impacts of urban railway STATION hubs on AIR quality in its environs
From
31/03/2022
To
31/09/2025
Summary
The overall objective of the STATION-AIR project is to support the effective management and mitigation of air pollution in the environs of large urban railways hubs in Ireland. To meet this objective the following specific objectives are proposed: i) compile and review the available information on best international practice for the assessment and management of air quality arising from large urban railway hubs; ii) apply this best practice to the Irish context considering several detailed case studies and pilot sites; iii) provide an assessment of the impact of large railway hubs in Ireland on localised air quality in residential and urban areas; and iv) develop recommendations for the mitigation of air pollution emissions contributing to transport related air pollution (TRAP) in the environs of urban railway hubs.
Funding Agency
Environmental Projection Agency, Department of Transport
Programme
EPA Research Call 2021
Project Type
Research & Innovation
Person Months
0
Project Title
 An investigation of the effectiveness of Technical Guidance Document J (TGD J) provisions regarding flue outlet locations for solid fuel burning appliances at preventing smoke particles entering the dwelling or neighbouring dwellings
From
01/09/2024
To
31/01/2025
Summary
Funding Agency
DHLGH
Programme
Construct Innovate
Project Type
Research
Person Months
0
Project Title
 Transforming Rural water communities as positive Climate and Energy districts
From
01/09/2023
To
28/02/2025
Summary
Funding Agency
Science Foundation Ireland
Programme
Sustainable Communities Challenge
Project Type
Research & Innovation
Person Months
0
Project Title
 WOW! Wider business Opportunities for raw materials from Wastewater
From
01/09/2021
To
31/12/2023
Summary
The WOW project aims to create a transition in the URBAN WATER CYCLE: from a linear approach which ends up as sewage, to a circular approach in which raw materials from sewage are recycled for biobased products. This reduces CO2-emmissions and use of natural resources. WOW! revealed market potential and interest in the 5 products which will be produced: PHA (a completely biodegradable bioplastic), bio-oil, acetic acid, biochar & biodiesel. Currently 2 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) are signed by end-users interested in our products & techniques, and 4 in the process of getting signed. A resolution on removing legal barriers for circular use of raw materials from sewage was accepted by the North Sea Commission (covering more than 150 coastal regions) and discussed with EC in relation to harmonising EU law on circular economy and sewage.
Funding Agency
European Regional Development Fund
Programme
North West Europe
Project Type
Capitalisation
Person Months
19
Project Title
 Hybrid solutions for Renewable Energy Systems: achieving net-zero Atlantic ea energy consumers & communities
From
01/01/2024
To
01/12/2024
Summary
Funding Agency
Interreg Atlantic Area
Programme
2021-2027
Project Type
Traditional
Person Months
3

Page 1 of 4
Details Date
NSAI Committee on Circular Economy (TC048/SC29/WG02) 2020
External Examiner 2021
Language Skill Reading Skill Writing Skill Speaking
French Medium Basic Medium
Details Date From Date To
Irish Green Building Council 2019
ESAI (Environmental Science Association of Ireland) Council Member and Communications Officer 2017
John Hickey, Mateo Pimoult, Fengshuo Liang, Ian O'Connor, Examining electricity demand profiles to inform sustainable on-site construction practices, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability, 178, 2025, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI  URL
O"Maolduin C., Compeer A., Contin V., De Best J., Gill L., Ali M., Gallagher J., The circular value of polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHA) bioplastic production from sludge at a wastewater treatment plant, Bioresource Technology Reports, 31, 2025, p102272-, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
Helena M. Ramos, Nicolas Soehlemann, Eyup Bekci, Óscar E. Coronado-Hernández, Modesto Pérez"Sánchez, Aonghus McNabola, John Gallagher, Challenges in Aquaculture Hybrid Energy Management: Optimization Tools, New Solutions, and Comparative Evaluations, Technologies, 13, (10), 2025, p453 - 453, p453-453 , Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
David Honan, John Garvey, John Littlewood, Matthew Horrigan, John Gallagher, The Nexus Between Indoor and Outdoor Environmental Conditions and Teacher Perceptions in Naturally Ventilated Primary School Classrooms, in Ireland, Sustainability, 17, (21), 2025, p9873 - 9873, p9873-9873 , Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
Leaching performance of concrete with recycled plastic fibers in, editor(s)Fernando Pacheco-Torgal, Jamal Khatib, Francesco Colangelo, Rabin Tuladhar , Reuse of Plastic Waste in Eco-efficient Concrete, Elsevier, 2024, pp311 - 337, [Galvin, A.P., Lopez-Uceda, A., Gallagher, J., & Barbudo, A.], Book Chapter, PUBLISHED  DOI
Jin, M., Zhang, L., He, H., Peng, Z.R. & Gallagher, J., The Impact of Street Tree Configurations on Local Air Quality in Dynamic Traffic Conditions in an Urban Street Canyon, Transport Research Board 103rd Annual Meeting, Washington D.C., 7-11 January 2024, 2024, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Guo, J., Gallagher, J., O"Mahony, M, Caulfield, B., Analysing the Impact of Diesel Train Movements on PM2.5 Levels in Dublin Heuston Station Using Random Forest Models., ENVIRON 2024 Conference, Waterford, 2024, 2024, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Kelly, S., Gallagher, J., Charly, J & Caulfield, B., The Green Transition of the Irish Vehicle Fleet: Assessing Future Impacts on Non-Exhaust PM2.5 Emissions., 103rd Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington DC, Janaury 2024, 2024, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Barwise Y, Kumar P, Abhijith KV, Gallagher J, McNabola A, Watts JF., A trait-based investigation into evergreen woody plants for traffic-related air pollution mitigation over time, Science of the Total Environment, 914, (169713), 2024, p1 - 20, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI  URL
Considine B, Gallagher J, Kumar P, McNabola A, Long-term assessment of energy consumption reduction in a building ventilation system with passive particulate matter control technology in the fresh air intake , Energy & Buildings, 2024, Journal Article, ACCEPTED  DOI
  

Page 1 of 7
Shanmuga P., Guo, Y., Broderick, B., Caulfield, B., McNabola, A., O'Mahony, M., Thornes, J., Gallagher, J., Identifying air pollution characteristics, source apportionment methods, and air quality modelling approaches in transport hub settings: state-of-play and future directions, Atmospheric Pollution Research, 17, (102709), 2026, p1 - 15, Journal Article, PUBLISHED
Jin, M., Apsunde, K., Broderick, B., Peng, Z.R., He, H.D. & Gallagher, J., Evaluating the impact of evolving green and grey urban infrastructure on local air quality around city square parks, Scientific Reports, 2024, p18528-, Notes: [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68252-7], Journal Article, PUBLISHED
J. Gallagher, STATION-AIR - Investigating the impacts of urban railway STATION hubs on AIR quality in its environs., National Air Event, Kilkenny, 15 March 2023, 2023, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Gallagher, J., Styles, D. & Chadwick, D., Evaluating the efficacy of Glastir Efficiency Grant Schemes from 2014 to 2016: a review of carbon and ammonia emissions across the Welsh livestock sector, Welsh Government, 2016, Report, PRODUCED
Gallagher, J. & McNabola, A. , Mapping Research Excellence and Capacity at EU level for the Horizon 2020 Topic SC5-01-2017: Exploiting the added value of climate services: From climate service concepts to piloting and proof-of-concept. 2015-CCRP-SS-4, Environmental Protection Agency, 2016, Report, PUBLISHED
Gallagher, J. & McNabola, A., Mapping Research Excellence and Capacity at EU level for Horizon 2020 Topic CIRC-02-2016-2017: Water in the Context of the Circular Economy. 2015-W-SS 20 SSS 2.2. The next generation of water systems and services - large scale demonstration projects, Environmental Protection Agency, 2015, Report, PUBLISHED

  


Award Date
Trinity Fellow 2024
2023 Haagen-Smit Prize Best Paper 2024
2020 Teaching Hero Nomination 2021
Second Place - Horizon Prize on Materials for Clean Air (European Commission) 2018
Professional Award in Development for Future Research Leaders in Wales 2014
My research interests and expertise focuses upon the delivery of innovative solutions to current environmental and energy challenges in both rural and urban settings, with cross-cutting focuses on SDGs #3 (Good-Health & Wellbeing), #11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), #12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) & #13 (Climate Action), including the mitigation of environmental pollution and increasing the resilience of water and energy resources to climate change, whilst integrating sustainable engineering principles in achieving these balanced solutions through a life cycle and circularity lens. My research focus in passive air pollution mitigation has broadened in scope and depth in recent years, as I have recognised the importance of a nexus approach to holistic assessment and design of engineering solutions. My air pollution research has expanded to focus on different indoor and outdoor contexts to address the millions of premature deaths associated with air pollution exposure, and the investigation of physical and nature-based solution (NBS) as interventions to improve air quality. Furthermore, my measurement and modelling work encompasses the cumulative environmental impacts (air, noise and thermal comfort) to better inform engineered and nature-based interventions so that holistic and future-proofed improvements are achieved in a cost-effective manner. This sees me working with researchers from ".. (show multidisciplinary) The ongoing focus is to develop advanced environmental monitoring using UAVs that is integrated into ventilation design models. My research in this area has led to over €600,000 in research funding, with the work produced 20 journal papers, of which I am a lead author in two-thirds of these studies. My expertise in the field has led to my contribution to international collaborations with leading academics in the field in Europe, the U.S and Asia. One of these papers I designed the study focus with the lead author has received more than 900 citations and received an impact award Elsevier in 2024. As the new Director of TrinityHaus Trinity"s Research Centre, which focuses on addressing the impact of the built environment in creating low-carbon, resilient, healthful, and inclusive communities, my research in at environmental systems is also shaped by my life cycle and circular economy expertise through the application and development of tools to drive low-carbon and resource-efficient design of engineering systems. This is a growing area of research that I have contributed to already, reflected by over €500,000 in funding that I have attained in this area. This research has included developing innovative materials (building facades or bioplastics), processes (passive wastewater treatment), technologies (data collection and AI-driven efficiency tool) and energy systems (optimised sizing and hybrid integration). This has led to an additional 20 journal publications addressing these topics. Furthermore, given the novelty of this field, my work has led to my invitation to act as a National Expert on circular economy measurement and assessment in European (CEN) and International (ISO) committees.