COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND TO SUPPORT GALWAY WIND PARK

SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables have launched a €70,000 COVID-19 response fund to support the local community around their 169MW Galway Wind Park.

Located in Connemara’s Cloosh Valley, the Wind Park is Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, generating enough renewable energy to power every home in Galway city and county.

The developers said the funding will be made available immediately to support groups within 10km of the project in County Galway who are mobilising a rapid response to support those most in need during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Backing will also be made available for projects that will help rebuild the community in the months ahead, according to SSE and Greencoat. The developers also said that applications will be assessed on a first-come basis and will be processed to ensure that funding reaches the community as quickly as possible.

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.

“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 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.”

Groups wishing to apply for funding can download the application form and return the completed form by email to GWPcommunityfund@sse.com