Funding available for community groups in Drumquin and Killen from the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farms

Is your community organisation / project located within 5km of either the Cornvarrow 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.

 

(L-R) Peter Baillie Managing Director of Energia and Lauri McCusker Director of the Fermanagh Trust at Cornavarrow Wind Farm Fund

 

Energia Renewables launched the community fund last year  to ensure that the wind farms, whilst having obvious 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 25 year period.

Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables said “We are delighted to put in place this significant financial package and to provide support to projects who contribute so much to community life. 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 grant round.”

Last year 17 organisations carrying out local projects received funding totalling almost £70,000 from the Wind Farm Fund. 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 funding include Drumquin Community Youth Centre who received a capital grant to oversee the modernisation and complete refurbishment of the existing community centre in Drumquin. Local pre-schools, primary schools and youth clubs were also awarded funding to carry out environmental projects and improvements to their premises.

Women’s Groups were awarded grants to purchase equipment and support their community education classes.  Other organisations awarded funding include sports clubs, credit unions, bands and Churches.

 

L-R Eleanor Speer, Killen Women’s Group, Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia and Lavinia Sproule, Killen Women’s Group receiving their award last year

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 19th 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  You can contact the Fermanagh Trust on Tel: 028 66 320 210 / E: hazel@fermanaghtrust.org.