Co-owners of Galway Wind Park, SSE and Greencoat Renewables, have officially opened the 2026 intake for the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund. This year, €300,000 is being made available to assist large-scale, community-driven projects located within 10km of the wind farm.

The Major Projects Fund is a biennial element of the broader Galway Wind Park Community Fund. It specifically targets initiatives capable of providing measurable, long-term advantages to the local area. Applications are currently being accepted online, with a final submission deadline set for Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

Since its inception in 2018, the fund has distributed €900,000, illustrating a consistent appetite for capital to fuel significant local projects. Evidence of this demand was seen during the 2024 funding round, which saw applications exceeding €1.5 million for projects with a collective value of over €3 million.

This year's criteria remain aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Eligibility and Scope

The fund is open to various entities, including:

- Charities and not-for-profit groups.

- Community organisations.

- Local sports clubs.

To be successful, proposals must demonstrate a lasting legacy, be deliverable within a 20-month window, and show clear benefits to the community. Individual grants range from €20,000 to €150,000 and can be used to improve natural heritage, biodiversity, local infrastructure, or recreational and sporting facilities.

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Jacqueline Durnin, Community Investment Manager at SSE, commented: "We're encouraging community groups of all sizes to consider how a bold, transformative idea could reshape their area for the better. This Fund is here to help turn those ideas into long-term local assets. If your group has a project that could make a real difference, now is the time to apply – we're here to support you every step of the way."

David Dunne, Asset Manager for Greencoat Renewables, added: "Greencoat Renewables are dedicated to driving the transition to a sustainable future through responsible investment in renewable energy. Our commitment extends beyond clean power generation, as we actively support community improvement projects that ensure lasting benefits for local residents such as those supported through the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund."

Proven Track Record

Previous beneficiaries have successfully used the fund to secure further private match-funding or co-funding from alternative programmes. Notable past projects include:

• FORUM Connemara CLG: Received €51,000 towards a €119,300 project to manage invasive species across 71.25 hectares of bogland. The initiative used stem-injection to tackle Rhododendron Ponticum in Glengowla, Fermoyle, and Seanadh Phéistín.

• Coiste na Páirce, Carraroe: Secured €75,000 to help fund a €186,000 upgrade of an astroturf pitch. The grant allowed the club to install a new FIFA-approved, all-weather surface meeting FAI standards.

Sinead Grimes, Dúlra Project Manager at FORUM Connemara CLG, stated: "This project helps strengthen local capacity to tackle invasive species through education, partnerships and shared stewardship. By working with landowners and communities, we can raise awareness, respond to local concerns and deliver sustained control in these ecologically important areas. Support from Galway Wind Park's Major Projects Fund has enabled us to carry out this essential environmental work."

Paraic Ó Conghaill, Secretary of Coiste na Páirce, said: "As a volunteer committee, this funding from Galway Wind Park gave us the confidence to deliver a much-needed upgrade, ensuring the pitch remains safe, accessible, and to the highest standard. It's more than a pitch, it's where our young people train, our teams compete, and our community comes together."