SSE Airtricity launches new Community Fund for Slieve Divena II Wind Farm

SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s leading renewable energy provider, is launching a new annual Community Fund for its Slieve Divena II Wind Farm near Ballygawley, County Tyrone, aiming to support community groups and projects close to the wind farm.

Through its Community Fund programme, SSE Airtricity makes voluntary contributions to the communities near its wind farms in Northern Ireland. Last year the programme passed a major milestone, with more than £1.5 million now awarded to local groups.

Ahead of the fund opening for applications on Friday 10 August, SSE Airtricity is holding an information evening at Kelly’s Inn, 232 Omagh Road, Garvaghey, Ballygawley, from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday 8 August, with all community members invited to attend. SSE Airtricity team members will be on hand to provide further information and answer any queries.

As with all of SSE Airtricity’s Community Funds, applications will be accepted within a 12-mile radius of the wind farm, with special preference given to projects within 3 miles of the site. SSE Airtricity puts a particular emphasis on projects focused on energy-efficiency, sustainability and safety, due to the lasting benefits they have for the community.

The company has so far provided funding to nearly 600 community groups in Northern Ireland, including schools, sports clubs and community associations, as well as supporting 100 local students with their third-level education fees at Ulster University and South West College.

Anne Reynolds, Community Development Officer at SSE Airtricity, said:

“At SSE Airtricity, we believe in making a positive difference for the communities in which we live and work. As part of that commitment, we’re delighted to be launching our new Community Fund for Slieve Divena II Wind Farm, which is set to benefit a wide range of local community groups annually. Since 2008, we’re proud to have awarded £1.5m through our Community Fund programme in Northern Ireland, and with this latest fund opening, we’re looking forward to supporting even more important local projects in the years ahead.”

The application period for the Slieve Divena II Wind Farm Community Fund opens on Friday 10 August and closes on Friday 7 September. To apply, visit ireland.sse.com/communityfund