Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm closing for applications soon – Funding available for groups in the Drumquin

Is your community organisation / project located within 5km of either the Cornavarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farm? If yes, your group may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds.

Energia Renewables launched the community fund in 2018 to ensure that the wind farms, whilst having environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community. They have committed to a £2.4 million fund over a 25year period.

 

Claire O’Kane Conway Wolfe Tones GAA and Gareth Nethery Drumquin United Football Club

Rosy Billingham, Community Engagement Manager for Energia Renewables said “Energia now provides over €660,000 a year in community investment through our wind farm benefit funds across the island of Ireland. The projects we support are providing much-needed services within rural communities, ranging from school infrastructure and community centre improvements through to counselling services and community events. 

“Through the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund we are very committed to supporting the communities where we invest, getting resources and much needed funding on the ground. We are hoping to support even more organisations this coming year through the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass wind farm funds.”

In last year’s funding round, organisations carrying out local projects received substantial funding from the Wind Farm Fund for groups in the Drumquin and Killen area. Community Associations, schools, bands and sports clubs were awarded grants to cover a wide range of capital, educational, youth focused, environmental, cultural and sporting initiatives.

Projects awarded grants included the Credit Union, social club and bands who used their funding towards hall refurbishment. Drumquin United FC, Wolfe Tones GAA and Killen Rangers used their grand awards on equipment, pitch improvements and training costs.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust which administers the fund said “It is great to see so much happening in the Drumquin and Killen areas in terms of community, sport, educational and environmental initiatives. The Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund is an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many activities, helping with venue improvement, equipment and running costs.”

Closing date for applications is Friday 11th November. Funding is available for small one off grants, longer strategic programmes involving a number of organisations and also larger grants for strategic capital projects. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE or you can contact the Fermanagh Trust on Tel: 028 66 320 210 / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org.