Official Opening of Lifetime Lab 14th October 2005

 Photographed at the Official Opening of Lifetime Lab, from left to right:
Denis O'Mahony, Director of Services, Environment, Cork City Council, Else Kneiven, Deputy Ambassador Norwegian Embassy, Joe Gavin, City Manager, The Lord Mayor Cllr. Deirdre Clune, Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Dick Roche TD and Michael O'Brien, Senior Engineer, Environment, Cork City Council.

Lifetime Lab, Lee Road, Cork was officially opened by Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr. Dick Roche TD on Friday, 14th October 2005 at 12 noon. "Lifetime Lab is a unique national attraction which will inspire generations to come" according to Minister Roche TD speaking at the official opening. "The innovative way in which this wonderful facility provides information on sustainability and environmental excellence is to be commended" he said.

Housed in Cork City Council’s old Waterworks, the €8.5m project was funded by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism and Cork City Council in association with University College Cork.

Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Dick Roche TD signing an Environment Pledge with Michael O'Brien, Senior Engineer, and John Walsh, Engineer, Cork City Council.

Minister for Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Dick Roche TD placing his personal environmental pledge on the Pledge Board, photographed with Michael O'Brien, Senior Engineer, Cork City Council, The Lord Mayor Cllr. Deirdre Clune, Miriam O'Brien, student Mount Mercy College, Xiang Cheng IASTE Exchange Student and John Walsh, Manager Cork City Energy Office, Cork City Council.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Deirdre Clune who also attended the official opening said "This project embodies best environment practice, heritage by virtue of the restoration carried out as well as local government" …. "The first stage of Lifetime Lab is complete. The next stage is to promote this wonderful facility overlooking the River Lee as a tourist and heritage attraction, a conference facility, a demonstration of renewable energy and an education and environmental awareness facility."

In his speech, Mr. Joe Gavin, City Manager, Cork City Council said "In this project we see the value of vibrant Local Government. Local Authorities throughout the country, down through the years, have developed and delivered many projects which are outside the normal realm of activities of Local Authorities and which bring great benefits to their communities. The leadership, initiative, creativity and commitment which are the ingredients of such undertakings are not reflected in the standard performance indicators. They are, however, a central plank in the strong ethos of public service which resides in Local Government. This is a marvellous project and one which is destined for success".

Lifetime Lab comprises of four buildings and while each will have diverse uses, the common aim of these facilities is to promote a high quality lifestyle into the future.

• The Information Office provides information on all environment matters.
• The Steam Building shows how water was pumped in past times in the city and showcases one of the best examples of industrial heritage machinery in Ireland and western Europe.
• The School Building has been designed for use as a classroom for primary schoolchildren and also a conference room
• The Visitor Centre houses state-of-the-art interactive display units providing information on water, waste, energy etc.

The four buildings have been designed to the highest energy conservation standards without comprising the aesthetics of the buildings. The electricity consumed on site is green hydro electricity generated at the nearby old turbine house. Space heating is provided geothermally from ground water resources. Solar panels provide heat for hot water and electricity for some of the external lighting. In all it is estimated that at least 80% of the buildings’ energy requirements are provided from renewable sources.

NTR plc, Ireland's leading private operator of public infrastructure, with interest in renewable energy, waste management, recycling and wastewater treatment is the main commercial sponsor for the future operations of Lifetime Lab.