Wind farm operator launches annual funding programme supporting local initiatives across North and West Cork, with applications now open until late July.
SSE Renewables has opened its 2025 community funds for three wind farms across Cork, making up to €225,000 available to local groups and organisations. The funding covers the Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farms in North Cork, along with the Coomatallin Wind Farm in West Cork.
Community groups within a 20-kilometre radius of any of the three wind farms can apply, with preference given to projects within five kilometres of each site. The application window runs from today, Tuesday 24 June, until 5pm on Friday, 25 July 2025.
This year’s funding targets initiatives focused on delivering long-term social, environmental, or economic benefits. Priority areas include community projects aimed at optimising energy usage and efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation, and enhancing green spaces. Projects promoting regeneration, improving local infrastructure, or enhancing health and safety standards in existing amenities are also encouraged.
The programme has a strong track record in Cork. Since 2006, SSE Renewables has contributed almost €2 million to community groups across the county through its Community Funds programme. In 2024 alone, the Coomacheo and Curragh Community Fund distributed more than €190,000 to 25 groups around Ballyvourney and Millstreet in North Cork, while the Coomatallin Community Fund awarded over €18,000 to four groups near Dunmanway in West Cork.
Among last year’s recipients was the Millstreet and District Housing Association, which received funding to support housing provision for vulnerable and elderly residents in their semi-sheltered housing complex. The organisation has benefited from the fund multiple times over the past decade.
Máire O’Sullivan, Manager at Millstreet Centre, said:
“The funding we have received from SSE Renewables over the years has allowed us to continue much-needed upgrades to our facilities, which have made a tangible difference to the lives of our residents. The application process is really straightforward, and I’d strongly encourage other community organisations to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Another successful 2024 recipient was the Drinagh Community Association, which used funding from the Coomatallin Community Fund to install solar-powered lighting at the picnic area beside Curraghalickey Lake. The project aimed to make the scenic spot safer and more accessible for evening use by local residents.
Margaret Murphy, Secretary at Drinagh Community Association, commented:
“We were delighted to receive funding from the Coomatallin Community Fund last year to install outdoor solar lighting at the picnic area at Curraghalickey Lake. Thanks to SSE Renewables, the funding has allowed for greater use of the area by residents.”
Anne Reynolds, SSE Renewables Community Investment Manager, said:
“We believe in investing in the areas where we operate, not just with clean energy, but with lasting community partnerships. Our community funds have enabled hundreds of grassroots projects across Cork to flourish. We’re excited to see how this year’s funding can help power more positive local change.”
The application process is conducted online. Groups interested in applying can find more information at the SSE Renewables community fund website or contact the Community Investment Manager at [email protected].