Galway Wind Park, has today launched a €70,000 COVID-19 response fund to support local communities around the wind farm in Connemara.
The funding, which is being released early from the Wind Park’s annual Community Fund, is being made immediately available to community groups mobilising a rapid response to the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition to supporting rapid response initiatives that are currently being mobilised, funding will also be available for projects that will help rebuild communities in the months ahead.
John O’Sullivan at Galway Wind Park Operations said that from the very outset of our current crisis community groups have “responded remarkably” to support the most vulnerable in society.
“From the smallest gestures, such as calling those living alone, to more organised and larger-scale home delivery efforts, volunteers across our community are making a real difference to people, especially the elderly or unwell, at this very anxious time.”
“As a member of the community, the team at Galway Wind Park has an important role to play in supporting these efforts to address the impacts that COVID-19 is having on our lives.”
“That’s why we are releasing €70,000 in funding early from our annual Community Fund to ensure that emergency cash is made available as quickly as possible to the groups that need it now, as well as to those groups who will be adapting in the months ahead to minimise the impact that the pandemic is having on the way we live our lives.”
The funding is available to groups delivering COVID-19 response measures to communities and individuals living within 10km of the Wind Park.
Groups wishing to apply for funding can do so by downloading application forms from GalwayWindPark.com, by emailing GWPcommunityfund@sse.com, or by calling Community Development Officer Anne Reynolds on (086) 878 3104.
Jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat renewables, Galway Wind Park is Ireland’s onshore wind farm, generating enough renewable energy to power every home in Galway city and county.
The annual Community Fund was first launched in 2018, and distributes €400,000 a year to groups and individuals via the Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.
