Funding applications open for sustainable community projects

Monagea GAA committee members and community representatives at the club's upgraded facilities, supported through SSE's Major Projects Fund | 3rd Party Image

placeholder image — Monagea GAA committee members and community representatives at the club's upgraded facilities, supported through SSE's Major Projects Fund | 3rd Party Image

More than €120,000 in funding is available this year to support projects that strengthen local communities, enhance sustainability and create lasting social and environmental benefit

SSE is inviting applications to its West Limerick and North Kerry Community Fund.

More than €120,000 in funding is available this year to support projects that strengthen local communities, enhance sustainability and create lasting social and environmental benefits across the region.

The West Limerick and North Kerry Community Fund supports community groups, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises delivering lasting benefits within 20km of SSE's wind farms in the region.

These include Tournafulla, Rathcahill, Dromada and Athea wind farms in West Limerick and Lenamore Wind Farm in North Kerry.

Priority for this year’s funding, which totals €122,605, is given to projects closest to the wind farms, while applications outside the 20km radius may also be considered where they can demonstrate a clear and measurable benefit within the Area of Benefit.

Projects supported through the fund should align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Quality Education (SDG 4), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Applications should also contribute to SSE's Community Funding Strategic Objectives by supporting communities in the green transition or strengthening resilience, equity and learning at a local level.

Eligible projects may include initiatives that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable living, enhance community facilities, support education and skills development, and strengthen community wellbeing and resilience.

Previous recipients have used funding to deliver projects that create lasting benefits for their communities.

Among them is Monagea GAA, which secured funding under last year's Major Projects Fund to install a 7.35kW solar PV system with 5.12kWh battery storage and a community gym at its grounds in County Limerick.

Kevin Hogan, Chairman, Monagea GAA, said the new gym and solar energy system are “already making a real difference" to the community.

“People of all ages now have affordable access to a modern local fitness facility, while generating our own clean energy is helping the club reduce its running costs and become more sustainable. This investment has created a lasting community asset that will support healthier lifestyles and bring people together for many years to come,” Mr Hogan explained.

The annual community fund demonstrates SSE's continued commitment to supporting local communities across West Limerick and North Kerry.

Since the fund was established in 2008, SSE has invested more than €3.75 million in community initiatives across the region.

This includes the creation of a multi-annual Major Projects Fund to support larger-scale projects in West Limerick and North Kerry delivering lasting, transformative benefits for local communities.

Last year, in addition to the annual community fund, SSE awarded around €380,000 to seven Major Project applicants.