Mayo County Council is inviting online applications from qualifying groups for the Oweninny Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund 2026. The deadline for submissions is 4pm on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

The scheme supports community initiatives across four categories. Categories 1–3 apply within the Oweninny Target Area, while Category 4 is open to projects elsewhere in the county (outside the Target Area).

Category 1 – Target Area: Large-scale, shovel-ready capital projects. All relevant planning, consents and procurement must be in place at the time of application.

Category 2 – Target Area: Proposals that need development work now to enable a future Category 1 submission, such as design and architectural support, necessary approvals, engineering reports, planning and procurement activities.

Category 3 – Target Area: Small-scale capital projects with a maximum grant of €5,000.

Category 4 – Rest of County (outside the Oweninny Target Area): Small-scale capital projects with a maximum grant of €5,000.

Projects must address at least one of the following: Amenities; Culture/Heritage; Education; Recreation/Health; Social Inclusion; Community Development; Environment. Mandatory criteria apply for qualifying groups, including membership of the PPN and appropriate location (within the Target Area for Categories 1–3, or outside it for Category 4). A map of the Target Area is available at: www.mayo.ie/en-ie/your-council/services/community-and-integrated-development/funding-grants/oweninny-community-benefit-fund/map-of-target-area

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Examples of eligible projects under Categories 3 and 4 include: development or renovation of community centres; community amenities; youth clubs or facilities; sports and recreation facilities; improvements to town parks, common areas and public spaces; public realm enhancements; streetscaping; play and recreation spaces; and energy efficiency initiatives.

Applicants must register an account at consult.mayo.ie/ (select Register at the top right) to access and complete the online application. Before starting, have the following to hand: PPN Number; Charity Number (if applicable); Tax Reference Number (if applicable); Tax Clearance Access Number (if applicable); details of any other income received; a recent bank statement header in the applicant group’s name; and, for capital items, three quotations per element that meet national procurement rules and are dated within three months of submission.

Applications depend on providing all required supporting documents. If documents are missing, the application may be rejected and not assessed.

Application forms, guidance and the Target Area map can be downloaded at: consult.mayo.ie/en/applications

For further information, email [email protected] or phone (094) 906 4378. Application forms and guidelines are available in Irish on request. Groups not yet registered with Mayo PPN should contact [email protected].