SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland have opened applications for the Lenalea Community Benefit Fund, offering €90,000 to support local projects near the Lenalea Wind Farm in County Donegal.

This is the first full year of funding since the wind farm became operational, based on renewable energy generation between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. The fund follows an initial round earlier this year, where €30,000 was distributed to 14 community-led projects during the site’s first three months of operation.

The Lenalea Community Benefit Fund is part of the wider investment surrounding the 30MW Lenalea Wind Farm, jointly delivered by SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland at a cost of over €40 million. The seven-turbine project contributes renewable energy to Microsoft under a long-term corporate power purchase agreement, helping the company progress towards its 100% renewable electricity target.

Applications are now open to community groups, charities, and social enterprises operating within a 15km radius of the Lenalea Wind Farm, with priority given to those located within 10km. Funding is available through two streams — the Local Fund, supporting smaller-scale community initiatives, and the Major Projects Fund, which targets larger capital projects providing long-term local benefit.

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Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland at SSE Renewables, said: “We’re proud to launch the full Lenalea Community Benefit Fund alongside our partners at FuturEnergy Ireland. This fund reflects our commitment to the communities that host renewable infrastructure. It has been shaped by meaningful consultation and guided by a locally appointed committee, ensuring it reflects the priorities of the people it’s designed to support.” 

Anne Walsh, Stakeholder Manager at FuturEnergy Ireland, added: “The launch of the full Lenalea community benefit fund is another significant project milestone that shows our commitment to supporting host communities. With €90,000 available this year, we are proud to support local projects and initiatives that reflect the priorities of those living near Lenalea Wind Farm, in collaboration with our co-development partner SSE.

“We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this money will have on local people and their communities, and encourage applications from anyone who could benefit from the substantial funding available.”

An online information workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 29, for those interested in applying. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, November 21, with funding awards expected to be announced in early 2026.

For full details or to apply, visit SSERenewables/lenaleafund or email [email protected].