North Cork groups get an early Christmas gift

COMMUNITY organisations in North Cork are to benefit from a more than €50,000 funding windfall under a scheme established by the joint developers of the Castlepook Wind Farm near Doneraile.

In 2016, almost four years after the controversial wind farm was given the all-clear by An Bord Pleanála, the ESB and Coillte announced the project was finally set to move forward after a long-term finance agreement was reached with Bank of Ireland.

The wind farm, built at a cost of around €64 million, has 14 turbines with a combined generating capacity of 33.3 mega watts of electricity, enough to power approximately 17,000 homes per year.

A Community Development Fund was also established, with community and voluntary organisations invited to apply for funding to help finance projects that will benefit communities located in close proximity to the wind farm.

The fund, which runs annually, has a cumulative value of approximately €1.2 million over the 25-year operational life span of the wind farm.

The 13 groups to receive funding under the latest tranche of allocations and how the has been used are listed in the attached panel.

The stakeholder manager at ESB, Thomas Brennan, said the company was proud to be in a position to support the 13 funding beneficiaries through the fund.

“In making this Community Fund available annually over the next 25-years, ESB aims to contribute to the development of essential infrastructure and services in the area and assist the groups who are committed to helping their community reach its full potential and create a brighter future for all,” said Mr Brennan.

The principal of Ballygown NS, John Hannon, said the funding was a “huge boost” to their aim of providing the best possible facilities at the school for pupils.

“As a health-promoting and active school, it has enabled us to lay a concrete path around the perimeter of our playground, on which pupils could ‘walk and talk.’ It is already proving very popular with pupils of all ages and is certainly enhancing the health and well-being of our pupils,” said Mr Hannon.

“We are extremely grateful to Castlepook Wind Farm and the ESB for their generosity and support.”

For more information about the Community Fund and instructions on how to apply to it visit www.castlepookwindfarm.ie.

Representatives from all of the recipient groups at the Community Fund function in the Doneraile Community Centre.

Willie Hallihan, Ger Ryan and David Lynch of Doneraile Drama Society with Thomas Brennan.

Rachel Kelly, Carmel O’Brien representing Kildorrery NS Parents Association with Thomas Brennan.

Thomas Brennan, ESB stakeholder manager, with John Mortell and Charlie Quinn of Ballyhea Historical Society.

David Lynch , Liam Lynch and Gráinne Lynch of the Heroes Powerchair Football Club with Thomas Brennan.