Wind Farm Funding Available for Community Groups in Drumquin and Killen

Community organisations in the Drumquin and Killen areas are being encouraged to apply for funding from the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds. If your group is located within 5km of either of these wind farms, you may be eligible for a grant to support your local projects. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 6th November 2024.

Established by Energia Group, a leading wind farm owner and operator, the Community Benefit Funds aim to deliver social and economic benefits to local communities alongside the environmental impact of the wind farms. The fund, which was launched in 2018, has committed £2.4 million over a 25-year period to benefit the community through these grants.

Previous funding recipients have seen significant positive changes in their local areas. For instance, The Castlederg & District No. 12 Credit Union in Garvetagh was awarded funding to carry out vital building improvements. Set up nearly 30 years ago, the Credit Union has grown in importance following the closure of three banks in nearby Castlederg, and it now serves over 600 members.

 

​Sheryl Patterson and Robert McKelvey from Castlederg & District No. 12 Credit Union

 

Another success story comes from a joint application to the Cornavarrow Wind Farm Fund made by the Drumquin Healthy Living Partnership and Wolfe Tones GFC. The partnership secured a £50,000 multi-annual grant to upgrade the parking area for the village playing fields and the community riverside walkway, which had been prone to flooding. This has significantly improved access to both the sports facilities and the surrounding natural spaces.

“We’ve been incredibly impressed with the projects that have emerged from this community, which are a testament to the creativity and dedication of local groups,” said Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust. “I would encourage any eligible organisation to apply and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact in their community.”

Funding is available for small one-off grants, longer-term strategic programmes, and larger capital projects. For more information and to download an application form, CLICK HERE or contact the Fermanagh Trust at 028 66 320 210 / secretary@fermanaghtrust.org