Almost half a million in funding now distributed by SSE Airtricity around its County Fermanagh and Tyrone wind farms

SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s largest renewable energy generator, has presented over £70,000 in community funding to 15 community groups in the vicinity of the Bessy Bell, Bin Mountain and Tappaghan Wind Farms.

This latest presentation brings the company’s overall contribution to local energy efficiency and sustainability projects around the Bin Mountain, Tappaghan and Bessy Bell Wind Farms to more than £450,000. Last year, SSE Airtricity presented £64,000 in community funding to local groups.

SSE sold its Bin Mountain and Tappaghan wind farms in 2012, however, SSE is proud to continue to operate the Community Fund for Bin Mountain and Tappaghan wind farms on behalf of new owner Greencoat UK Wind Plc.

Two Castles Boxing Club are using their funding to repair a damaged roof at the boxing club. Sean Corry, Development Manager at the Two Castles Boxing Club, Newtownstewart said:

“The boxing club benefitted greatly from SSE Airtricity’s support last year and the £10,000 we have received this year will go towards replacing the damaged and leaking roof, ensuring that the heat inside the building will not escape and all the members can train in a nice comfortable environment.”

Ederney St. Joseph’s GAC, which received funding, will use the funds to install a solar panel heating system at the club hall, Sean Donnelly, Development Officer, Ederney St. Joseph’s GAC said:

“Everyone involved with Ederney St. Joseph’s is delighted with the funding we’ve received through SSE Airtricity’s Community Fund. The financial support means we have been able to install a Solar PV System, which will help the club to reduce our annual fuel and energy bills.”

Anne Reynolds, SSE Airtricity Community Development Officer, comments: 

“We’re delighted that SSE Airtricity is presenting £70,000 in funding from our County Fermanagh and Tyrone Wind Farm Community Funds for such a wide variety of forward-thinking and innovative local projects. It’s great to see so much of the money going towards greater energy efficiency, something we’re always promoting at SSE Airtricity.”

Other projects to receive funding from the 2014 Community Fund include cavity wall insulation for Scraghey & District Community Development Association centre, energy efficient insulation for Colaghty Parish Church and a new energy efficient heating system for Aghyaran Methodist Church amongst others.