SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables are pleased to announce the opening of the latest round of community funding available from Galway Wind Park in Cloosh Valley, Connemara.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Galway Wind Park Community Fund which is designed to benefit local groups and individuals in the vicinity of Galway Wind Park.
Eligible applicants within a 20km radius of the wind farm, with preference given to projects within a 5km radius, can apply to the fund from Tuesday 21st May 2024 until Friday 21st June.
Established in 2018, the Galway Wind Park Community Fund provides around €400,000 of funding per year. In the past six years just over €3 million has been awarded to the local Connemara community through its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.
"It is a privilege to open the Galway Wind Park Community Fund once again. We look forward to welcoming applications from community groups and individuals focused on improving energy efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, social sustainability, recreation and tourism, and education or skills development. By taking the time to apply you could join hundreds of others who have helped power change over the years with help from the Fund."
Anne Reynolds Community Investment Manager for SSE Renewables,
Last year, over €155,000 was awarded to a total of 151 community groups close to Galway Wind Park through the wind farm’s Local Community Fund. Among those selected to receive funding last year was the Corribdale Grounds Committee. The community group received €10,000 to restore children’s playground equipment in Corribdale Park in Oughterard, which had fallen into disrepair during the pandemic. Encouraging others to apply for funding, Gerry Gibbons, Secretary, Corribdale Grounds Committee, said: “Making the playground in Corribdale Park safe for use after it suffered neglect during the pandemic wouldn’t have been possible without funding from the Galway Wind Park Community Fund. I urge all eligible local groups in need of funding to consider applying this year. The application process is straightforward, and those managing the Fund are very helpful.”
"Greencoat Renewables’ commitment to a sustainable future extends beyond the renewable energy we generate. We are committed to continuing to support projects in the vicinity of Galway Wind Park that can bring a transformational difference to communities."
Patrick Maguire Head of Asset Management for Greencoat Renewables
"At SSE Renewables, we pride ourselves on supporting the communities in which we live and work. Through the Galway Wind Park Community Fund, we are delighted to keep empowering grassroots initiatives that contribute to the well-being and sustainability of the region."
Ciaran Maguire Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables
The 174MW Galway Wind Park, co-owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables is one of Ireland’s largest onshore wind farms, generating enough renewable energy to power around 140,000 homes annually, while offsetting roughly 289,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions each year.
