SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables are pleased to announce that the 2025 Galway Wind Park Community Fund is now open for applications. The fund supports local groups and individuals in the vicinity of the Galway Wind Park, located in Cloosh Valley, Connemara.
Applications are open from Monday 12 May to Friday 13 June 2025. Eligibility extends to applicants within a 20km radius of the wind farm, with preference given to those within 5km.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Galway Wind Park Community Fund has awarded over €3 million to the local Connemara community through its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund, providing around €400,000 annually.
Last year, over €120,000 was distributed to 38 community groups community groups close to Galway Wind Park through the wind farm’s Local Community Fund. Among those selected to receive funding last year was Rahoon/Newcastle GAA Club, one of Galway’s oldest hurling clubs established in 1889. The grant enabled the club to install a 14.7 kWp rooftop solar panel system on its community clubhouse, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future. Robert Keane of the club’s Finance Committee said: “Thanks to the support of the Galway Wind Park Community Fund, along with a SEAI grant and our own fundraising efforts, we’re now able to generate clean, renewable energy right here in our community. This project not only reduces our carbon footprint and energy costs, but also sets an example for how local organisations can lead on climate action.”
Anne Reynolds, Community Investment Manager for SSE Renewables, said: “It’s a pleasure to reopen the Galway Wind Park Community Fund and invite applications from individuals and groups who are working to strengthen their communities. Whether your project supports energy efficiency, safety, sustainability, recreation, or education and skills development, we encourage you to apply and become part of the lasting impact the Fund continues to make across the region.”
Patrick Maguire, Head of Asset Management for Greencoat Renewables, said: "Our commitment at Greencoat Renewables goes beyond clean energy generation. We are proud to invest in community projects that enhance both the local environment and the quality of life for residents, ensuring that our wind farms benefit everyone, both now and for generations to come."
Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables, said: At SSE Renewables, we are dedicated to driving forward the renewable energy transition while fostering positive change in the communities we serve. Through our ongoing support of local initiatives, we aim to ensure a lasting impact on the social and environmental well-being of those living near the Galway Wind Park."
The 174MW Galway Wind Park, co-owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, is one of Ireland’s largest onshore wind farms, generating enough renewable energy to power around 140,000 homes annually, while offsetting roughly 289,000 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions each year.
Applications will be open online at: www.sserenewables.com/GalwayFund