Wind Farm Funding awarded in Drumquin and Killen

The local communities in Drumquin and Killen have received a huge funding boost from Energia, owners of the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farms. Supporting a wide range of capital, educational, environmental, cultural and sporting initiatives.

Energia Renewables launched the community fund in 2018, administered by the Fermanagh Trust. The fund was set up to ensure that the wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community.

 

Work underway on Drumragh Sarsfield multisport areas

Projects awarded funding include Drumquin Community Youth Centre who have received a capital grant from the fund for a third time to oversee the modernisation and complete refurbishment of the existing community centre in Drumquin. The new building provides a home for the numerous community groups within the village and a space for various classes. Drumragh Sarsfields have been using their grant award for the creation of three additional multisport, multiuse grass recreational areas and a new woodland walkway.

The conversion of the derelict Handball Alley into a modern Gym Facility in a new collaborative community Partnership including Drumquin Community Youth Centre, Drumquin Wolfe Tones GAA, Drumquin Soccer Club and other groups based in Drumquin and FODC area. The facility has been derelict since 1998 has been unusable in recent years. The Wind Farm Fund has supported this ambitious project with capital funding for a third year. The development of a new community gym will meet the increased demand for health and fitness activities.

Young people will greatly benefit from the fund with grants going to Sugar and Spice preschool, St Joseph’s PS and Drumlish PS for development of their outdoor learning environments. Bands and Football Clubs have been awarded funding to help towards venue improvements and equipment costs.

 

Drumquin Community Youth Centre

The wind farm fund is also supporting a new strategic project ‘Drumquin Environmental Enhancement Project’ for the village which will involve planting, hedging, pathways, lighting, entrance improvements and carpark resurfacing. A potential major capital project led by Drumquin Healthy Living Partnership.

Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for projects in the Drumquin and Killen area.  These are projects that will make a significant difference across the community. Our ongoing benefit funds and partnerships with organisations, such as the Fermanagh Trust, are central aspects of our overall commitment to green energy and sustainability. We own and operate 15 wind farms across the island of Ireland and every year we work with communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland via our community benefit funds, investing in the sustainability of these localities from an environmental and social perspective.”

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust added “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. Congratulations to those who have received grant awards. We wish them every success in their endeavours and we hope to reach even more organisations in future funding rounds.”

 

Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables and Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust

The fund will open for applications again in November 2021. Funding is available for community organisations / projects located within 5km of either the Cornvarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farm. For more information CLICK HERE / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org