SSE Airtricity hands out almost €24,000 to community groups in Co. Wexford

SSE Airtricity, Ireland’s largest green energy generator, has awarded almost €24,000 to community groups close to its Richfield wind farm in Co. Wexford.

The presentation took place at the Stella Maris Community Centre in Kilmore Quay on Wednesday 22^nd April. A total of nine community groups will benefit from this year’s payout of €23,896, including local schools, sports clubs and community centres.

Through its Community Fund programme, SSE Airtricity makes annual contributions to community groups in the vicinity of its wind farms. The company has been donating to local projects in Co. Wexford since 2007, and this latest presentation takes its overall contribution in the region to over €180,000.

Wexford Sub Aqua Club will be using the funding to install flood barriers and replace the door at their clubhouse. Ivan Donoghue, Club Chairman, said: “Our clubhouse is beside the sea, so it’s exposed to the effects of coastal wind, rain and sea spray, which are exacerbated during winter storms. This year’s funding from SSE Airtricity will allow us to fit a new door and flood defence barriers, which will protect our equipment and the building’s interior.”

The majority of the recipient groups will be putting this year’s contribution towards greater energy efficiency, which SSE Airtricity strongly supports.

St. Anne’s GAA Club will use the funding to install energy efficient lighting in their hurling and handball alley. Club Development Officer, Charlie White, commented: “As the club has grown, we have developed a demand to broaden the facilities we offer. Our new facilities will include a hurling and handball alley, racket ball and badminton courts, and a basketball hoop. The funding from SSE Airtricity will be used to install energy efficient lighting in the alley, which will enable us to cater for the sporting needs of the local school and the wider community.”

Other projects being supported range from installing a rainwater harvesting system at Scoil Realt na Mara in Kilmore, to adding a polytunnel for outdoor classes at St. Fintan’s National School in Mayglass.

Anne Reynolds, SSE Airtricity Community Development Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be able to contribute to nine worthy causes through this year’s Community Fund. It’s great to see so much of the money going towards improvements in energy efficiency, which is something we’re always promoting at SSE Airtricity. We’re committed to making a positive difference to the communities closest to our wind farms, and helping these local groups become more energy efficient will reduce their fuel costs and ultimately contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment.”

SSE Airtricity’s Richfield wind farm has a total capacity of 27MW and produces enough renewable energy to power over 15,000 homes in the region.