Galway Wind Park launches €70,000 COVID-19 Response Fund - SSE Renewables

Galway Wind Park launches €70,000 COVID-19 Response Fund

Media release

Galway Wind Park launches €70,000 COVID-19 Response Fund

Applications now open to Community Groups

Wednesday 8^th April 2020: SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, joint owners of Galway Wind Park, have today launched a €70,000 COVID-19 response fund to support local communities around the wind farm in Connemara, Co. Galway.

The funding, which is being made immediately available, will support community groups that are currently mobilising a rapid response to support those most-in-need as a direct result of the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak.

In addition to supporting rapid response initiatives that are currently being mobilised, funding will also be available for projects that will help rebuild our community in the months ahead.

The COVID-19 response funding is being released early from the overall Galway Wind Park annual Community Fund to ensure emergency funds are made available now when they are needed most.

John O’Sullivan at Galway Wind Park Operations said:

“From the outset of the COVID-19 emergency, community and voluntary groups have responded remarkably to provide services and supports for the vulnerable in our society. From the smallest gestures, such as calling those living alone, to more organised and larger-scale home delivery efforts, volunteers across our community are making a real difference to people, especially the elderly or unwell, at this very anxious time.

“As a member of the community, the team at Galway Wind Park has an important role to play in supporting these efforts to address the impacts that COVID-19 is having on our lives. That’s why we are releasing €70,000 in funding early from our annual Community Fund to ensure that emergency cash is made available as quickly as possible to the groups that need it now, as well as to those groups who will be adapting in the months ahead to minimise the impact that the pandemic is having on the way we live our lives.”

The funding is available to volunteer-led community groups delivering COVID-19 response activities to communities and individuals living within 10km of Galway Wind Park farm. Applications will be assessed on a first-come basis and will be rapidly processed to ensure that funding reaches the community need as quickly as possible.

Groups wishing to apply for funding can do so by downloading application forms from GalwayWindPark.com, by emailing GWPcommunityfund@sse.com, or by calling Community Development Officer Anne Reynolds on (086) 878 3104.

Located in Connemara’s Cloosh Valley, Galway Wind Park is Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, generating enough renewable energy to power every home in Galway city and county. Jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, the wind farm already operates an overall €400,000-plus Community Fund paid annually in contributions to local groups and individuals via its Local Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.

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