Lenalea Community Benefit Fund opens for applications for Donegal communities

One of Lenalea Wind Farm’s seven turbines, generating clean energy to power communities and support local initiatives through the Lenalea Community Benefit Fund.

SSE and FuturEnergy Ireland have announced the launch of the 2024/2025 Lenalea Community Benefit Fund, inviting applications from community groups located near the Lenalea Wind Farm in County Donegal.

This marks the first full year of available funding from the Lenalea Community Benefit Fund and is based on renewable energy generation over 12-months from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

It follows an initial funding round and announced last month which saw €30,000 distributed to support to 14 community-led projects. That round was based on the wind farm’s first three months of operation in early 2024.

A total of €90,000 is available this year to support local initiatives that promote economic improvements, social resilience, and climate action. For the first time, the fund is also open to applications under the Major Projects Fund.

Eligible applicants include charities, community organisations, and social enterprises operating within a 15km radius of Lenalea Wind Farm, with priority given to those within 10km. The Local Fund supports small-scale community initiatives while the Major Projects Fund is available for larger capital projects that deliver long-term benefits for the local area.

Applications open on Monday, 13 October and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 21 November. To support prospective applicants, an online information workshop will be held on Wednesday, 29 October. Participants wishing to attend the workshop can email lenaleacbf@sse.com for registration details.  Applicants can register and submit completed applications through SSERenewables/lenaleafund.

Funding awards are expected to be announced in early 2026.

The Lenalea Community Benefit Fund was established following the commissioning of the 30MW Lenalea Wind Farm, delivered through a joint investment of over €40 million by SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland. SSE Renewables is part of leading energy infrastructure company SSE plc, while FuturEnergy Ireland is a joint venture between Coillte and ESB.

In 2024, SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland entered into a long-term corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with Microsoft. Under this agreement, the renewable energy generated by Lenalea Wind Farm’s seven turbines contributes to Microsoft’s goal of matching its electricity consumption with 100% renewable energy.

Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables, said:

“We’re proud to launch the full Lenalea Community Benefit Fund alongside our partners at FuturEnergy Ireland. This fund reflects our commitment to the communities that host renewable infrastructure. It has been shaped by meaningful consultation and guided by a locally appointed committee, ensuring it reflects the priorities of the people it’s designed to support.” 

Anne Walsh, Stakeholder Manager, FuturEnergy Ireland, added: 

“The launch of the full Lenalea community benefit fund is another significant project milestone that shows our commitment to supporting host communities. With €90,000 available this year, we are proud to support local projects and initiatives that reflect the priorities of those living near Lenalea Wind Farm, in collaboration with our co-development partner SSE. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this money will have on local people and their communities, and encourage applications from anyone who could benefit from the substantial funding available.”

For more information or to apply, visit: SSERenewables/lenaleafund

Prospective applicants can also contact the Community Investment Manager via email LenaleaCBF@sse.com