SSE Renewables opens community fund applications for North and West Cork groups

• SSE Renewables has already delivered close to €2 million to support Cork groups
• Up to €225,000 will be available to local initiatives in 2025

SSE Renewables has today opened its 2025 community funds for Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farms in North Cork, as well as its Coomatallin Wind Farm in West Cork.

Community groups within a 20km radius of any of the three wind farms are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to projects within a 5km radius of each wind farm site. The application window runs from Tuesday, 24 June until 5pm on Friday, 25 July 2025.

This year, up to €225,000 will be available to local initiatives focused on delivering long-term social, environmental, or economic benefits. This can include community projects seeking to optimise energy usage and efficency, promote sustainable transportation and enhance green spaces. Projects which promote regeneration and enhance local infrastructure, or seek to improve health and safety standards in existing amenities, are also welcome.

Since 2006, SSE Renewables has contributed almost €2m in funding to community groups in Cork through its community funds programme. In 2024, the Coomacheo and Curragh Community Fund of more than €190,000 was awarded to 25 groups operating around Ballyvourney and Millstreet in North Cork, while the Coomatallin Community Fund of over €18,000 was awarded to 4 groups operating near Dunmanway in West Cork.

One such group was the Millstreet and District Housing Association, which received funding from the 2024 Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farm Community Fund to support them in providing housing for vulnerable and elderly persons in their semi-sheltered housing complex in Millstreet. The organisation has benefited from the fund several times over the past decade. Encouraging other groups to apply this year Maire O’ Sullivan, Manager, Millstreet Centre, said: “The funding we have received from SSE Renewables over the years has allowed us to continue much-needed upgrades to our facilities, which have made a tangible difference to the lives of our residents. The application process is really straightforward, and I’d strongly encourage other community organisations to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, the Drinagh Community Association received an awarded from the 2024 Coomatallin Community Fund to install solar-powered lighting at the picnic area beside the scenic Curraghalickey Lake. The project aimed to improve the space, making it safer and more accessible for local residents throughout the evening hours. Margaret Murphy, Secretary at Drinagh Community Association commented on the impact of the funding stating: “We were delighted to receive funding from the Coomatallin Community Fund last year to install outdoor solar lighting at the picnic area at Curraghalickey Lake. Thanks to SSE Renewables, the funding has allowed for greater use of the area by residents.”

Speaking at the launch of the Fund, Anne Reynolds, SSE Renewables Community Investment Manager, said: “We believe in investing in the areas where we operate, not just with clean energy, but with lasting community partnerships. Our community funds have enabled hundreds of grassroots projects across Cork to flourish. We’re excited to see how this year’s funding can help power more positive local change.”

The application process for this year’s fund will be online. For more information on how to apply, visit:
https://www.sserenewables.com/communities/community-fund-locations/ireland/north-cork/.

Or, contact the Community Investment Manager via email at [email protected]