- More than €1.6m granted to local Donegal groups since 2007 -
Earlier this month, a total of €166,000 from the SSE Renewables Meentycat Community Fund was distributed to 27 community groups during a presentation held in the Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey, County Donegal.
As one of Ireland’s largest developers and operators of renewable energy, SSE Renewables believes in sharing the value of its renewable energy projects with communities. This latest contribution brings the overall amount SSE Renewables has contributed to local groups in Donegal since 2007 to €1.6 million.
The Meentycat Community Fund distributes wind powered funding on behalf of Meentycat, Meentycat Extension and Culliagh Wind Farms. Its aim is to kick-start and support community driven projects. This year, awardees encompassed a diverse range of initiatives aimed at fostering community development, promoting education, and enhancing safety measures.
One such beneficiary is the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, a group that provides emergency search and rescue services across challenging and remote terrains in Donegal. Operated entirely by volunteers, the team remains on call 24 hours a day responding to emergencies. Thanks to a grant of €23,000 the team will now be able to supply essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to its volunteers, ensuring greater safety and uniformity during operations.
Seamus Bradley, Deputy Training Officer and New Grants Officer, Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, said: “The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team is made up of 35 volunteers who are always on standby to assist those lost, or injured, in mountainous areas Donegal. In the past 5 years since Jan 2020, our volunteers have responded to 102 incidents. In that time team members have worn a mix of different PPE, making it harder for the public to recognise us as a cohesive unit during rescues. With the support of SSE Renewables Meentycat Community Benefit Fund, we can now provide each volunteer with branded waterproof PPE that enhances both safety and team visibility in the field.”
Meanwhile, St. Mary’s National School has been awarded a grant of €3,840 to purchase Spike Education LEGO kits, which will significantly enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) education for its pupils.
Eoghan Roarty, Principal of St. Mary’s National School, said: “STEM education is vital in today’s world, shaping the future jobs market and opening new opportunities for students. This funding from SSE Renewables will make a huge difference, helping us inspire young minds and level the playing field. I’ve seen children who struggle with maths excel in coding because they intuitively grasp how it works. These tools will continue to foster growth and innovation in our school.”
Anne Reynolds, Community Development Officer, said: “SSE Renewables is proud to continue our 18-year legacy of supporting local communities around the Meentycat and Culliagh Wind Farms. We are delighted to contribute to the success of 27 inspiring initiatives across County Donegal this year, helping them thrive and make a positive impact.”