New applications for the SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables Galway Wind Park Community Fund can be submitted from Monday, 12 June until Friday, 7 July.
Applications will be accepted from community groups within 20 km of Galway Wind Park, with preference given to those within 5 km, through at www.sserenewables.com/GalwayFund.
The Galway Wind Park Community Fund launched in 2018 and is the largest annual fund of its kind in the country.
The overall fund, which totals over €400,000 per annum, is paid in annual contributions to local groups and individuals via its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.
So far around €2.3 million has been provided to groups around the wind park, including schools, sports clubs and community centres.
Killannin GAA Club benefitted from SSE Renewables funding last year, receiving €2,500 towards funding for inclusion of special needs children in the club.
Cola Murphy, committee member of Killannin GAA for All, said: “Our club came about to address a necessity to include children who have additional needs within our community and allow them to participate in club activities in a safe, fun non-competitive environment.
“Our aim is to help our players develop their physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills. The funding towards additional equipment allows a variety of games and enables us to give them the best experience at every session.”
Anne Reynolds, Community Investment Manager for SSE Renewables, said: “We look forward to receiving new applications for the Galway Wind Park Community Fund from communities in vicinity of the Wind Park.
“We’re very proud to be making a difference in the local area in supporting groups like Killannin GAA club that sought to ensure the inclusion of all community members.
“As always, it’s great to see so much of the money going towards improvements for local groups and clubs that wish to provide an inclusive environment for their communities, which is a great way to bring everyone together.”
Patrick Maguire, Head of Asset Management for Greencoat Renewables, said: “We are delighted to provide support once again to local communities and groups through the Galway Wind Park Community Fund.
“The Local Community Fund opens up opportunities for communities to deliver sustainable projects which bring value and growth to rural areas, and which represent true community development. As long-term owners of wind farms in rural areas we are keen to support and build strong relationships with the local community through projects like this.”
Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables, said: “SSE Renewables are proud to again be supporting local groups bringing about change to their communities.
“Through the contributions of SSE Renewables to these communities and the local economy we are able to provide funding to so many diverse groups. The successful groups have worked diligently to deliver transformational projects to their local area.
“We look forward to working with the community once again to help develop and deliver projects that can bring a transformational difference to communities.”
The 174MW Galway Wind Park, co-owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables is Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, generating enough renewable energy to power around 140,000 homes, while offsetting roughly 289,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions annually.
Applications will be open online at: www.sserenewables.com/GalwayFund
