SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, co-owners of Galway Wind Park, have launched the latest application round of Galway Wind Park’s €300,000 Major Projects Fund.
The fund supports community projects within 10km of Galway Wind Park and is part of the overall Community Fund programme. It is open for applications from today and appications will be accepted until Friday, 12 April.
The Major Projects Fund opens every two years, targeting projects that will benefit the community and are deliverable within 20 months.
The Major Projects Fund aims to empower communities to create transformational projects and support the transition to a sustainable community.
Not-for-profit community groups, charities, and sports clubs among others are eligible to apply and must demonstrate how their projects support specific UN Sustainable Development Goals that promote Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action.
Eligible projects must show how they can improve the local infrastructure, landscape, biodiversity, cultural and natural heritage, or support sports and recreation.
Applicant projects are encouraged to consider initiatives that can support energy efficiency, renewable generation, and environmental and economic benefits as part of the social economy.
Each project must make a lasting difference and positive impact on places where people live, work, and explore.
Awards from the Major Project Fund will range from €20,000 to €150,000, and certain projects may qualify for multi-year funding.
In August 2022, the second round of the Major Project Fund awarded €300,000 towards four large-scale projects, bringing the total investment to €600,000.
One of the successful projects awarded was the development of the Doon Rosscahill Woods Forestry Trail.
Valerie Butler, on behalf of residents of Doon East and the Doon Rosscahill Woods Forestry Trail, said that the trail is a pivotal community asset which offers safe, walkable access where it was previously lacking.
She said that it has become a community hub, evidenced by the successful Doon Woods Walking Group and well-attended events like Easter egg hunts and Santa Claus visits, with each event drawing over 100 local children and families.
“This trail provides a hazard-free route for residents, particularly in areas like Doon East, where pedestrian pathways to the main road are absent, while also encouraging a greener lifestyle by reducing reliance on cars,” said Valerie Butler.
“Overall, the trail symbolises a successful blend of safety, environmental stewardship, education, and social cohesion, significantly enhancing the quality of life in Rosscahill.”
John O’Sullivan, SSE Renewables, said that SSE Renewables is very proud of the work that the Major Projects Fund has already achieved, and the quality of works completed from the 2022 funding.
“The successful groups have worked diligently to deliver large-scale transformational projects that deliver lasting legacies to the local area,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the community again to help develop and deliver projects that can bring a transformational difference to the local area.”
Patrick Maguire of Greencoat Renewables said they were delighted to support the third round of the 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, he said.
“The Major Projects Fund offers communities the opportunity to deliver long-term sustainable projects that bring value and growth to rural areas representing true community development.”
All applications for the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund should contain a clear and concise business proposal with accurate costings, timelines, and targets, which 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 based on proximity.
Guidance documents with further information and the link to apply online can be found at SSERenewables.com/
