SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, co-owners of Galway Wind Park have launched the latest round of Galway Wind Park’s €300,000 Major Projects Fund. The funding, which supports transformational community projects around the wind park, is part of Galway Wind Park’s overall Community Fund programme which is the largest of its kind in the country.
The latest round of Galway Wind Park’s Major Projects Fund is now open to help shovel-ready projects come to fruition. Following feedback from local consultees the Major Projects Fund, which has a typical value of €300,000, will now operate on a bi-annual basis. The fund currently open covers the two years of 2022 and 2023.
The Major Projects Fund offers grant support to not-for-profit community groups that actively promote projects that will aim to stimulate meaningful local regeneration and deliver long-term social, safety, environmental or economic improvements in the community. The most recent fund, which was awarded in 2021, was significantly over-subscribed with a total funding request from the community in excess of €1.2m, demonstrating the depth of community-driven initiatives around Galway Wind Park which can be supported.
The closing date for applications for this year’s Major Projects Fund is Friday, 29th April 2022.
Projects applying should be located within 10km of Galway Wind Park and aim to improve or enhance local infrastructure, landscape, biodiversity, heritage, or sports and recreation and make a lasting difference to the places where residents live, work and visit. Awards available will range from €20,000 to €150,000 annually, and certain projects may qualify for multi-year funding.
Galway Wind Park’s Major Projects Fund, delivered and operated by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables in consultation with local stakeholders, is part of a commitment to deliver a genuine and lasting difference to the local area. In May 2021, the previous Major Projects Fund round successfully provided €300,000 towards six large scale projects including improvement to pitch surfaces, local footpaths, capital works at a sports facility and recreation trails.
"SSE Renewables is very proud of the work that the Major Projects Fund has already achieved and the quality of works completed from the 2021 funding awards. The successful groups have worked diligently to deliver large scale transformational projects that are delivering lasting legacies to the local area. We look forward to working with the community once again to help develop and deliver projects that can bring a transformational difference to the local area."
John O’Sullivan SSE Renewables
"We are delighted to support the second year of the redesigned Major Projects Fund for the community around Galway Wind Park alongside SSE Renewables. As long-term owners of wind farms in rural areas we are keen to support and build strong relationships with the local community through projects like this. The Major Projects Fund offers communities the opportunity to deliver long term sustainable projects which brings value and growth to rural areas which represents true community development."
Patrick Maguire Investment Manager for Greencoat Renewables
All applications for the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund should contain a clear and concise business proposal with accurate costings, timings and targets, and demonstrate that the proposed development is shovel ready.
Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit community groups within 10km of Galway Wind Park with preference given based on proximity.
Further information and application forms for download can be found online. For more information please contact Michelle Donnelly via or email [email protected]