A scholarship fund worth €50,000 is now open to applications from third-level students from Connemara.
The Galway Wind Park Scholarship Fund has supported 57 students to date, as they embark on their college education.
The fund is targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate students living within 20km of the 174MW Galway Wind Park in Connemara.
The bursary programme supports students attending GMIT and NUI Galway, as well as other educational institutions across the island of Ireland.
It gives third-level education opportunities for local students to gain qualifications and build strong careers in STEM subjects and in the areas of energy efficiency, sustainability, environment, health, safety and social skills.
The Scholarship Fund is typically worth around €50,000 annually and provides 50% grant support towards a student’s annual fees for a maximum of three years.
This is the third year of the award-winning programme which is backed by Galway Wind Park co-owners SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables.
Michelle Donnelly, Community Development Manager at SSE Renewables, said: “SSE Renewables is very proud to partner with Greencoat Renewables to launch the third year of this wind-powered scholarship, backing local students progressing towards their third-level education.
“Giving the unprecedented challenges of last year, to be able to help a number of students with financial support as they begin their studies is a privilege.
“We would encourage anyone from areas of Connemara around Galway Wind Park who are moving into third level education to consider applying for this year’s funding from the Galway Wind Park Scholarship.”
Patrick Maguire of Greencoat Renewables added: “We are delighted to launch the third year of this the Galway Wind Park Scholarship Fund.
“Given the ongoing pandemic it is fantastic to be able to offer support to local residents of the wind farm and it shows that we are committed to continue supporting important initiatives such as this and to invest in future generations.”
