SSE Renewables, Ireland’s leading developer, owner and operator of renewable energy has donated over €94,000 to 64 community groups in Donegal through its Meentycat Community Fund.
The company published its Community Investment Review that contains information on the €1.2 million donated to 416 projects across Ireland in 2021/2022.
The company provides voluntary community funding from its wind farms in support of energy efficiency, safety and sustainability projects to local groups, sports organisations and schools among others.
It is the largest-ever yearly investment made by SSE Renewables into local communities from its wind farms.
This autumn, SSE Renewables will launch a community fund for Lenalea Wind Farm in Donegal, which it is co-developing with FuturEnergy Ireland.
Letterkenny Rugby Club received funding towards a specialised first aid room and enhanced equipment to deal with specialised rugby injuries.
Shaun McGuinness, Club President of Letterkenny Rugby Club said through the support of the Meentycat Community Fund they have been able to deliver a fit for purpose first aid room with the necessary facilities in an easily accessible location to better serve all the members of the club and ensure they have the most up to date equipment to treat any injury or emergency.
“Thanks to the Meentycat Community Fund, this will make the club more accessible to all members of the community,” he said.
The latest Community Fund donation brings the total contribution made by SSE Renewables to local communities in Ireland over €10 million so far since 2003.
In that time the Community Fund awards have supported over 4,000 projects and good causes in the areas closest to its wind farms.
In addition to Donegal, funding was awarded to community groups operating near SSE Renewables’ wind farms located in Cavan, Wexford, Sligo, Mayo, Monaghan, Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, and Galway.
>body2text<Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables said their community benefit funds continue to support numerous communities across Ireland and demonstrates their continued commitment to the local communities around their wind farms.
“Since the administration of our first community benefit fund in Ireland in 2003 we have grown to now administering over 20 community funds annually with a value of €1m per year.
“It is inspiring to see our funding help bring so many important and innovative community projects across the country to life,” he said.
Michelle Donnelly, Community Investment Manager at SSE Renewables, said their community benefit funds continue to support numerous communities across Ireland and showcase the ability of communities to successfully respond to emerging priorities.
“The investments we make from our wind generation sites will support these communities for years to come and it is pleasing to see that working responsibly remains at the centre of the renewable industry,” she said.
The company’s Community Investment Review also demonstrates its continued commitment to operating in a net zero world and supporting a green economy through the delivery of new renewable energy assets to achieve a net zero future.
SSE Renewables will continue to support Ireland’s green recovery and it hopes to continue the same level of successful support to communities in the coming period of 2022/23.
More information on the SSE Renewables Community Fund and funds donated to community groups in Donegal can be found at https://www.sserenewables.com/onshore-wind/ireland/
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