Applications open for €100,000 Offaly fund near Mountlucas wind farm
Bord na Móna has announced the opening of the 2025 Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gains Scheme to applications from local community organisations in the vicinity of the Mountlucas Wind Farm in East Offaly.
Last year, 23 local community projects shared funding amounting to €100,418 from the scheme.
Bord na Móna administers the scheme and an awards committee is drawn from the local communities of Daingean, Mount Lucas and Walsh Island, to determine which projects are granted financial support.
Bord na Móna said that, since the launch of the initiative in 2014, over €1 million of funding has been committed to local community groups and projects including schools, sports clubs, social initiatives, as well as general amenity and community facilities.
Applicants supported by the scheme in 2024 included Walsh Island Development Group, who received funding towards the delivery of local development initiatives and community infrastructure.
Ballycommon Telework and Training Centre was also supported in the rollout of digital literacy and training programmes.
Making the announcement on behalf of Bord na Móna's Mountlucas Wind Farm, Operations Manager Tom Egan said: "Bord na Móna is delighted to announce the launch of the 2025 Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gains Scheme and are looking forward to working with the local communities on the delivery of projects which will benefit the people living near the wind farm.
"Bord na Móna is committed to ensuring that local communities benefit from the development of renewable energy infrastructure projects in their area, which are needed to support the transition to a carbon neutral society.
"Our team will continue to work closely with the local community in the rollout of the scheme and are eager to hear from anyone with project ideas.”
The Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gains Scheme 2025 is currently open for applications until Monday, April 7, at 5pm. Applicants can learn more about the fund and how to apply by visiting www.mountlucaswindfarm.ie.
Applicants requiring help or support with their application can contact the project team via Mountlucaswindfarm@bnm.ie with their enquiries, or alternatively call Community Liaison Specialists, Niall Donlon on 087 9951174, or Padraig Carty on 0870643734, for assistance.