SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables said they are supporting community groups to power local change as they open the 2023 SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables Community Fund for the Galway Wind Park in Cloosh Valley, Connemara.
New applications for the SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables Galway Wind Park Community Fund can be submitted from Monday 12th June 2023 until Friday 7th July at www.sserenewables.com/GalwayFund Applications will be accepted from community groups within 20km of Galway Wind Park, with preference given to those within 5km.
The Galway Wind Park Community Fund launched in 2018 and is the largest annual fund of its kind in the country. The overall fund, which totals over €400,000 per annum, is paid in annual contributions to local groups and individuals via its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund. So far around €2.3 million has been provided to groups around the wind park, including schools, sports clubs and community centres.
Killannin GAA Club benefitted from SSE Renewables funding last year, receiving €2,500 towards funding for inclusion of special needs children in the club.
Cola Murphy, committee member of Killannin GAA for All, said their club came about to address a necessity to include children who have additional needs within our community and allow them to participate in club activities in a safe, fun non-competitive environment.
“Our aim is to help our players develop their physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social skills. The funding towards additional equipment allows a variety of games and enables us to give them the best experience at every session.”
Anne Reynolds, Community Investment Manager for SSE Renewables, said they look forward to receiving new applications for the Galway Wind Park Community Fund from communities in vicinity of the Wind Park.
“We’re very proud to be making a difference in the local area in supporting groups like Killannin GAA club that sought to ensure the inclusion of all community members.
“As always, it’s great to see so much of the money going towards improvements for local groups and clubs that wish to provide an inclusive environment for their communities, which is a great way to bring everyone together.”
The 174MW Galway Wind Park, co-owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables is Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, generating enough renewable energy to power around 140,000 homes, while offsetting roughly 289,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions annually.
Applications will be open online at: www.sserenewables.com/GalwayFund To find out more about how to apply, please contact our Community Investment Manager Anne Reynolds on Tel: (086 ) 878 3104 or Email: [email protected]
