SSE Renewables opens community fund applications for North and West Cork groups

SSE Renewables is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 community funds for Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farms in North Cork, as well as its Coomatallin Wind Farm in West Cork.

Community groups within a 20km radius of the wind farms are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to projects within a 5km radius of each wind farm site. The application period runs from Tuesday, 23 July until 5pm on Friday, 16 August.

Over €200,000 will be available to eligible community groups in North and West Cork. This will include those focused on fostering long-term social, environmental, or economic improvements. This can include community projects which are seeking to optimise energy usage, promote sustainable transportation, improve energy efficiency and enhance green spaces. Projects which promote regeneration and enhance local infrastructure, or seek to improve health and safety standards in existing amenities are also welcome.

Since 2006, SSE Renewables has paid almost €2m in funding to community groups in Cork through its Community Funds programme. In 2023, the Coomacheo and Curragh Community Fund of more than €120,000 was awarded to 24 groups operating around Ballyvourney and Millstreet in North Cork, while the Coomatallin Community Fund of €15,500 was awarded to 10 groups operating near Dunmanway in West Cork.

One such group was the Millstreet and District Housing Association, which received funding from the 2023 Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farm Community Fund to support them in providing housing for vulnerable and elderly persons in their semi-sheltered housing complex in Millstreet. Encouraging other groups to apply this year Maire O’ Sullivan, Manager, Millstreet Centre, said: “The funding we have received from SSE Renewables has been incredibly helpful. It has enabled us to progress with upgrading the remaining two houses in our semi-sheltered housing complex. I would encourage all eligible community organisations in County Cork to apply this year. The application process couldn’t be more straightforward.”

Speaking at the launch of the Fund, Anne Reynolds, SSE Renewables Community Investment Manager, said: “At SSE Renewables, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work. For over a decade our community benefit funds in County Cork have been instrumental in driving meaningful change in the region. We look forward to receiving applications from more community groups eager power change in their local area this year.”

The application process for this year’s fund will be online. For more information on how to apply, visit: https://www.sserenewables.com/communities/community-fund-locations/ireland/north-cork/ Or, contact the Community Investment Manager via email at [email protected]