Galway Wind Park

Located in Connemara’s Cloosh Valley, Galway Wind Park is one of Ireland’s largest onshore wind farms, generating enough renewable energy to power every home in Galway city and county.

Jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, the wind farm operates an overall €400,000-plus Community Fund paid annually in contributions to local groups and individuals via its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.

The overall Galway Wind Park Community Fund is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

The Local Fund represents around 50% of the overall Galway Wind Park Community Fund. The Local Fund supports projects focused on energy efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, social sustainability, recreation and tourism, and education and skills development.

In addition to the Local Fund, the Community Fund also includes a Major Projects Fund, supporting larger-scale projects in the area, and a Scholarship Fund for local students.

As one of Ireland's largest, the 174MW Galway Wind Park is capable of generating enough renewable energy to power around 140,000 homes, while offsetting over 175,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions annually.

The Galway Wind Park Scholarship Programme offers students living within 15km of the Wind Park an opportunity to apply for 50% funding support towards third level education fees up to a maximum of 3 years.

The aim of the Galway Wind Park Community Fund is to maximise value and impact for local communities and people in the long-term. One of the most ways we can do this is through powering education and skills development.

The Galway Wind Park Scholarship Fund is worth 12.5% of the total annual Community Fund, typically around €50,000 per annum.

Geographical scope: All those living within the 15 km of Galway Wind Park and undertaking third level courses in Galway and across the island of Ireland are eligible to apply to this Scholarship programme.

Level of funding: Scholarships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate (full & part-time) students currently studying or intending to study at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), The University of Galway and any other institutions across the island of Ireland. The Scholarship will grant 50% towards a student’s annual fees for a maximum of three years.

Selection process: Students should apply directly to Atlantic Technological University (ATU), University of Galway or FORUM Connemara CLG to apply for the Scholarship programme. The Galway Wind Park Community Team are not involved in the selection process.

2024 Galway Wind Park Scholarship

Online applications will open on 23 September and close on Friday 25 October 2024.

The Galway Wind Park Scholarship Programme decisions are made by three independent panels. Please apply directly to one of the following 3 organisations;

o Online application available on University of Galway or contact them by email

o Online application available on Atlantic Technological University (ATU) or contact them by email

o Online application available on FORUM Connemara CLG for all other third level institution on the island of Ireland. For more information contact them by email

Students will be notified directly by the above organisations of the results of their Scholarship application in December annually.

LOCAL FUND

Fund Timetable

The fund will open on Monday 12th May until Friday 13th of June 2025.

How to Apply

First, read the Fund guidance, available to download below.

Galway Fund Guidance

Click on the ‘Apply’ button below if you wish to begin a new application.

If you have started a grant application and saved your progress, you can return to it by logging in to our Community Investment Portal here and navigating to My Applications.

Apply to the Galway Wind Park Local Fund

Apply

Get in touch

We are here to answer your queries. Please get in contact with us using the details below.

[email protected]

Or if you would like to register to be kept informed about the Community Benefit Fund please complete this form.