Airtricity’s Slieve Kirk wind farm has paid out over £76,000 in funding to 13 community groups in the vicinity of its Slieve Kirk wind farm. The presentation brings total Airtricity community investment in County Londonderry since 2012 to over £160,000.
Under its Community Fund Programme, Airtricity annually makes a financial contribution from each of its 4 wind farms owned or operated nationwide by SSE, Northern Ireland’s largest renewable energy generator.
Since its launch in 2012, Airtricity’s Slieve Kirk Community Fund has provided funding to more than 25 different projects. This year, groups in County Derry~Londonderry being supported by the Community Fund include, among others Creevedonnell Cricket Club, Clann Na Gael GAA and Killaloo Orange Hall.
Anne Reynolds, Airtricity Community Development Officer, comments:
“We’re delighted with the response to this year’s Community Fund, and it’s yet another example of just how enthusiastic communities are in making major strides to reduce their fuel consumption, their energy costs and their carbon footprint. In just two years, we’ve already helped fund a wide variety of forward-thinking and innovative local projects.”
Sandra Allen, Kildoag Culture Group Secretary said:
“We’re thrilled to have received further funding from Airtricity. The £21,000 we have received will be put to good use, and will help us to insulate the whole building and replace the old doors, allowing for a much more comfortable and pleasant space for everyone who uses the community hall.”
Adrian Conway, Vice-Chairman Clann Na Gael, added:
“Airtricity’s Community Funding will be put to great use and make big improvements to the clubs fitness trail. The funding is being used to install new energy efficient lights along the trail, which is also used by members of the public.”
SSE is currently finalising the construction of its 46MW Glenconway wind farm, located a short distance from the Slieve Kirk development. Upon completion of Glenconway, SSE will own and operate 73MW of wind energy in County Derry~Londonderry, increasing its Northern Ireland wind generation portfolio to over 90MW.