SSE Renewables has announced the official opening of the 2023 SSE Renewables Community Funds for Kingsmountain and Dunneill wind farms.

Opening on Monday, 18 December applications will be accepted until Friday, 26 January 2024 for community-based projects within a 20km radius of the Kingsmountain and Dunneill wind Farms in Co. Sligo, with preference given to projects within five kilometres.

Over €32,000 will be available to support community projects with a focus on; Community Development, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability/Climate Action, and/or Safety. Projects focusing on energy efficiency will receive additional points to help communities join in the transition to a net zero future.

The company has been donating to local projects in the vicinity of the wind farm since 2004, and the latest contribution in 2023 brought the total amount awarded in the region to almost €575,854. SSE Renewables Community Funds focuses on helping community groups become more sustainable and deliver financially sustainable projects while delivering maximum impact for the communities they serve.

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Last year, through its annual Community Fund programme, SSE Renewables awarded over €1.1m in the Republic of Ireland to almost 400 community projects, delivering impact in the communities closest to its wind farms.

Up to 19 groups in Co. Sligo received funding last year from the SSE Renewables Community Fund, including St. Farnan’s GAA Club who ran a series of talks covering topics such as social wellbeing, mental health, addiction and suicide.

Fergal Broderick, Chairperson, St. Farnan’s GAA Club, said: "Funding from SSE Renewables Kingsmountain and Dunneill Community Fund has enabled the club to run a series of talks for our members. The club is at the heart of the community and is more than just a springboard to sports, fitness, games and camps. There is a social responsibility to our members and to the community both young and old, to look after not just their physical health but also their social wellbeing and mental health. Gambling addiction, mental health issues, suicide, drug abuse - all these big social issues are right here in our community; living in a rural area is no longer the buffer it once was and will be covered in these talks."

Anne Reynolds, SSE Renewables Community Investment Manager, said: "At SSE Renewables, we believe in the power of local communities to drive positive change. The Kingsmountain and Dunneill Windfarm Community Fund is a testament to our commitment to supporting and empowering the communities that host our projects. As we open the doors for applications, we eagerly anticipate the innovative and impactful initiatives that will emerge, creating a sustainable legacy for the benefit of Co. Sligo."