Callagheen Wind Farm Fund closing for applications soon – Funding available for Belleek and Garrison areas

The Callagheen Wind Farm Fund, administered and managed by the Fermanagh Trust is open for applications. The fund was set up by Callagheen Wind Farm Ltd in conjunction with Scottish Power Renewables and awards grants to community projects within 7km of the wind farm, which is located between Belleek and Garrison.

Proposals will be accepted from all aspects of community life – economic, social and educational. However, preference will be given to proposals that have an environmental theme and/or are linked to sustainable local activities and have a positive impact on the local community.

Last year the fund awarded grants to 11 organisations to support a wide range of projects in Northwest Fermanagh. Young people in particularly benefitted from the fund with grant awards going to the preschool and schools for equipment costs and development of outdoor classrooms. Local groups Devenish St Mary’s GAA, Melvin Enterprises, Cashel Community Association and Lakeland Community Care were able to avail of venue improvements, renovations and new equipment thanks to the Wind Farm Fund.

 

Soft play equipment at St John the Baptist PS , purchased thanks to the Callagheen Wind Farm Fund

Belleek Men’s Shed used their grant award to help support their radio station ‘Belleek Radio’, connecting local people, providing chat, music, local history, gardening tips, interviews and issues relating to the community. Community groups such as Garrison Community Group, Erne Music Club and Garrison Women’s Group used their awards to help cover running costs including their classes and activities.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust emphasised the opportunity which exists for groups and initiatives in Garrison, Cashel and Belleek, saying “The Callagheen Wind Farm Fund will provide financial support to carry out work which will make a real contribution to people’s lives in the area. Previously the Fund has helped develop the work of a range of community and educational based activity. It is a proven record of the community benefit wind farms can bring.”

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 1st November. For information / application form CLICK HERE or contact Gemma at the Fermanagh Trust E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org / Tel: 028 66 320 210.