SSE Airtricity awards more than €117,000 to community groups in County Cork

SSE Airtricity, Ireland’s largest renewable energy generator, has presented over €115,000 to community projects around its Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farms in Co. Cork. The presentation took place at the Coiste Halla, Scoil Aban Naofa, Baile Mhuirne, Co. Cork on Tuesday, the 16^th September, 2014.

This latest presentation brings the company’s overall contribution to local projects in Cork to almost €700,000. This year, a total of 18 community groups will benefit from the funding, including schools, sports clubs and community buildings.

SSE Airtricity’s Cork wind farms have a total capacity of 56MW and produce enough green energy to power around 30,000 homes in the region. Through its Community Fund Programme, SSE Airtricity makes financial contributions to the communities closest to its wind farms.

Coiste Halla Baile Mhuirne is putting their funding towards new energy efficient windows and doors. Conchur O’Luasa, Secretary for the group, said: “We’re delighted once again to receive funding from the SSE Airtricity Community Fund. With the support of SSE Airtricity, we hope to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of the hall, through the installation of triple glazed windows, ensuring a much more comfortable community hall for everyone in the area.”

The Clondrohid Community Association, which received funding for the fourth consecutive year, will use the funds to install energy efficient lighting for the internal sports area of the club’s running track. Noel McDonagh, Chairman, said: “SSE Airtricity’s Community Fund has helped the Clondrohid Community Association become a more energy efficient group over the last few years, with funding for energy efficient lighting and a solar panel and heating system.”

Most of the community groups are putting this latest funding towards greater energy efficiency. Projects ranging from new energy efficient whiteboards at Cloghoula National School, to the installation of solar panels for Millstreet Community Council.  Carriganima National School are planning to improve the insulation throughout the school, while Cumann Peile Cill na Martra will be installing new pitch lighting.

SSE Airtricity Community Development Officer, Anne Reynolds said:  “We are delighted to be able to help so many community groups in the area. It’s great to see so much of the money going towards greater energy efficiency, something we’re always promoting at SSE Airtricity. Through our Community Fund Programme, we have been able to award more than €117,000 to 18 worthy projects in the region. We remain committed to bringing positive energy to the communities near our wind farms. By helping local groups to become more energy efficient and in turn reducing their fuel costs, we can all live in a greener and more sustainable environment”.