SSE Renewables opens community funds across Cavan and Monaghan

Over €2.4 million awarded to local groups since 2001

SSE Renewables is now inviting applications to the East Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund, which is made up of its Bindoo and Gartnaneane Wind Farms in County Cavan, and Mullananalt Wind Farm in County Monaghan.

At the same time, the Corneen Community Fund is also opening, which is a biennial fund for Corneen Wind Farm on the Slieve Rushen mountain, near Ballyconnell in County Cavan.

As part of SSE Renewables’ long-standing commitment to making a positive impact in the communities surrounding its wind farms, these funds support projects that promote energy efficiency, sustainability, safety and social wellbeing. Since the opening of Corneen Wind Farm in 2001, over €2.4 million has been invested in local initiatives across both counties.

Community groups located within a 20km radius of the wind farms are encouraged to apply, with priority given to projects based within 5km of the sites. Online applications open on Monday, April 28 and close at 5pm on Friday, May 23.

In 2023, Corneen Community Fund awarded €10,000 to six community organisations including Tidy Towns and The Irish Men’s Sheds Association, as well as local schools. Meanwhile last year, the 2024 East Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund alone awarded almost €225,000 to 43 community groups supporting them in delivering a diverse range of initiatives making a positive impact across Cavan and Monaghan. This included an award of €33,000 to support a STEAM education programme delivered across 11 primary schools in the region. The initiative engaged 850 students, providing each school with materials for experiments and project work designed to help children explore the science behind renewable energy.

Life

Derek Middleton, Principal at Darley National School, County Cavan, commented on the impact of the programme stating: “The STEAM kits really brought science to life for our students. Many of our children have grown up seeing wind turbines on the landscape, so it’s brilliant for them to explore how wind energy actually works, why it matters and the opportunities it presents for the future.

“Overall, it was brilliant to see their curiosity grow through hands on learning, which wouldn’t have been possible without the SSE Renewables Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund.”

Jacqueline Durnin, Community Investment Manager at SSE Renewables, highlighted the fund’s impact stating: “At SSE Renewables, we’re proud to support the communities where we live and work. These funds enable local groups drive meaningful change, from schools and recreational groups, to social and environmental initiatives. Over the last 24 years, hundreds of projects have benefitted, and we encourage more groups to apply and power positive change in their communities.”

Together SSE Renewables’ four wind farms in Cavan and Monaghan generate 73MW of clean energy, enough to power over 30,000 homes annually.

Apply for the 2025 Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund now at: sserenewables.com/CavanMonaghanFund

Apply for the 2025 Coreen Community Fund now at: sserenewables.com/corneen