Wind Farm Funding available for South West Fermanagh

Is your community project located within 12 km of the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm in South West Fermanagh? If yes your group may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund.

The community fund was launched by Mantlin Ltd, owners of the wind farm in conjunction with the Fermanagh Trust who administer the grant aid and it is hoped that this funding will continue throughout the lifetime of the wind farm’s operation.

In previous years the fund awarded grants to organisations carrying out a range of initiatives in Derrylin, Kinawley, Teemore, Ballyconnell and Swanlinar, including community playgroups, sports clubs, schools, community associations, art, music and drama groups.

 

New front door funded by Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund (L-R) Donal McPhillips Chairman of Knockninny Credit Union, Lauri McCusker Director of Fermanagh Trust, Frank Murphy Secretary of Knockninny Credit Union and Cliona Hamill Office Manager.

 

Nineteen organisations received funding in 2023, showcasing the breadth of support for community initiatives. Enhanced sports and community facilities, equipment costs, health and well-being programmes. Young people have benefitted greatly from the fund with Swanlinbar Parent and Toddler Group, Little Treasures Playgroup Kinawley and St Ninnidhs PS receiving funding for activities and biodiversity programmes.

Another previous recipient is Knockninny Credit Union, an exclusively community based enterprise for the people of Teemore and Derrylin. It is managed entirely by volunteers, offering access to finance, advice, saving and loans, giving a local alternative to high interest lenders. Chairman of the Credit Union Donal McPhillips said "We are incredibly grateful to the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund for their generous support, which has enabled us to enhance our facilities. The funding for the new door, privacy screens, and website upgrade has not only improved the functionality of our premises but also ensures a more secure and accessible environment for everyone. The Wind Farm funding’s practical and local assistance is invaluable in our mission to serve and empower our community.”

 

New privacy screens funded by Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund (L-R) Donal McPhillips Chairman of Knockninny Credit Union, Lauri McCusker Director of Fermanagh Trust, Ciara Carron Counter Staff Knockninny Credit Union and Frank Murphy Secretary of Knockninny Credit Union.

 

The closing date for applications to this year’s round is Friday 7th June 2024. The Fund is inviting applications towards either; (a) One-off grant aid up to a maximum of £2,000 to support community initiatives taking place up to 31 March 2025. (b) Capital projects up to a maximum of up to £8,000 per annum in any financial year, over a 3 year period which will have a lasting legacy on the lives of people living in the area.  To be considered for this funding project must have the necessary statutory permissions in place and be able to utilise any grant awarded.

To download the application and guidelines CLICK HERE