This year’s recipients include a day centre for senior citizens, two Tidy Towns groups, a men’s shed and a people’s shed, with the groups sharing €50,000 to enhance and develop new facilities.
With a combined capacity of 17MW, Coolroe, Blusheens and Curraghmartin Solar Farms were among Ireland’s first operational solar farms when they were energised in 2023.
Community Benefit Funds, independently administered by SECAD Partnership CLG, were established for each of the three solar farms to provide funding to local community groups for the next 15 years, and will generate circa €750,000 over the lifetime of the funds.
Local community groups were invited to apply for the first round of funding in March of this year, and the applications were reviewed by a panel of local community representatives who decided how this year’s funds would be allocated.
Over €20,000 of funding from Blusheens Solar Farm has been awarded to St Mary’s Day Care Centre in Tagoat, Co. Wexford. The centre provides day care services and meals on wheels to the elderly, those with limited mobility and those living alone in Tagoat and the surrounding rural areas. They will use the funding to carry out an upgrade of the centre’s electrical system.
EDF power solutions at St Mary’s Day Care Centre CLG, Tagoat, Co. Wexford. Pictured are Therese Jones, Siobhan Murphy Manager, Anna Wright, Ann Marken, Eilish Walsh (SECAD), Gretta O’Leary, Conor Burns (EDF power solutions), Mary Cronan, Ina White, Bridget Browne B.O.M. Day Care Center and Sadie Dunne. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Siobhan Murphy of St Mary’s Day Care Centre said: “The funding we received has enabled us to upgrade our electrical system which will in turn significantly improve the safety and reliability of our Day Care Centre,” said Siobhan Murphy.
“By replacing outdated wiring and panels, we have minimised the risk of electrical fires and power outages and ensuring essential equipment, kitchen appliances, and medical devices function without interruption. Ultimately, it helps everyone who depends on the centre’s services.”
Funding of over €13,000 from Coolroe Solar Farm has enabled Ballycullane Tidy Towns to landscape the roadside around the Tintern Sports Complex, as well as to create a colourful mural in the heart of the village.
Martin Reading of Ballycullane Tidy Towns welcomed the support and said “The grant from the EDF power solutions Coolroe Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund allows the Tidy Towns group to continue our work in Ballycullane village.
“The new mural has already brightened the appearance of the village centre, and recognises the work done by gardeners, residents’ associations and the community veg growers to keep the village looking good and supporting biodiversity.”
Paul Gallagher, Head of Onshore Technologies at EDF power solutions Ireland, noted the vital role solar farms play in producing low-carbon electricity.
“We’re delighted to see this funding go towards such good causes, all closely aligned to the UN sustainable development goals, and look forward to making similar awards next year and in the years to come” he said.