University of Galway Student Accommodation

University of Galway Student Accommodation required far more than standard lighting supply. The project required a fully integrated smart lighting solution capable of monitoring thousands of fittings across multiple buildings — all delivered within a live, phased construction programme.

Rexel Lighting Solutions worked closely with consulting engineers, the electrical contractor, and the manufacturer from the earliest stages. This included supporting lighting design and calculations, achieving required lux levels and uniformity and contributing to early-stage design work for off-site manufactured bathroom pods, where luminaires had to be fully specified and installed prior to delivery on site.

Logistics and availability were critical to programme success. Kellihers held significant stock locally in Galway, enabling rapid response to short-notice requests as buildings became ready. This flexibility ensured installation teams were never delayed, even when schedules shifted.

A key differentiator was commissioning and system integration. In partnership with Southgate Lighting, specialist engineers were on site for each block, configuring the software, addressing every luminaire, and integrating emergency lighting into a central monitoring platform. The completed system allows maintenance teams to remotely check fixture status, identify faults, and significantly reduce manual inspection time.

Bespoke solutions were also required. Rexel Lighting Solutions coordinated special-order luminaires, custom finishes, emergency packs, and the integration of external fittings to match Phase One of the project — while upgrading them with smart functionality. This ensured visual consistency across the campus without compromising system performance or warranty.

The result was a technically complex project delivered with precision, collaboration, and long-term operational value.