Additional funding for wind farm communities
ESB and Coillte have announced the second round of funding for communities in the locality of Raheenleagh Wind Farm on the Wicklow/Wexford border.
The 2016 fund will be open to receive applications until Thursday, October 27.
The fund enables ESB and Coillte to provide financial support to local community and voluntary organisations in proximity of the wind farm, helping them to deliver beneficial projects and initiatives.
Eligible organisations include registered charities, community development groups, Tidy Town committees, sports and recreation clubs, and primary & secondary schools, among others.
To be eligible for the fund, a project must fall under one of the following thematic areas: Sports and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing, Environment and Conservation, Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Culture and Heritage, Education, Social Inclusion and Tourism. Applicants located nearest the Wind Farm will be prioritised.
Monies have been committed to local groups through the 2015 community fund to develop a range of community projects in the region, which will make their mark for many years to come as communities continue to enjoy the benefits of the investments.
Among the groups supported to date: Ballyfad Community Hall, the May Byrne Trust, The Gap Arts Festival, Ballythomas Community Field & Area and Ballintemple National School.
Community Engagement Manager at Coillte, Nicola Wall Coillte has a long history of working with communities and our experience around the country has generated an inherent understanding of the communities in which it operates.
‘The Raheenleagh Community Fund reflects this fundamental understanding and outlines the support that our wind energy projects can provide for local communities. This fund is generated solely through the development of the Raheenleagh Wind Farm and there is a real connection between the wind that will turn the turbines, the renewable energy created and the long term benefits to the community.’