SSE and Greencoat Renewables have allocated €300,000 from the 2026 Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund to five community-led initiatives within 10km of the wind farm, backing projects that advance accessibility, facilities, environmental action, wellbeing and local rescue services.

The co-owners said the successful bids reflect strong local ambition to deliver lasting social, environmental and economic benefits. The initiatives aim to strengthen inclusion, resilience and quality of life across communities surrounding Galway Wind Park.

Among the awards are more than €128,000 for a new accessible community walkway in Moycullen, and €55,000 for a Connemara Eco Hub to promote green skills and circular economy projects. Funding will also upgrade lifesaving equipment for the volunteer rescue crew on Lough Corrib, improve community and sports facilities, and provide portable sensory equipment to support wellbeing and inclusion.

Robert Wilkes, Treasurer, Corrib Mask Search & Rescue, said: "Corrib Mask Search & Rescue are delighted to be a recipient of an award from the Galway Wind Park Major project funds. Our voluntary group provide a full-time lifeboat service on Lough Corrib. Our crew respond to incidents on the water in all weathers and conditions. Keeping our crew safe is of paramount importance to us. Modern state-of-the-art safety equipment is essential, but difficult for a voluntary group to buy and maintain. The grant from Galway Wind Park will allow us to upgrade the equipment for our staff to the best available gear. This grant helps ensure we keep the service running and our crew safe at all times."

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Sinead Grimes, Project Manager, The Dúlra Project, FORUM Connemara CLG, said: "This support from the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund allows us to turn the Connemara Eco Hub from an idea into action. It will help us build green skills locally and test practical circular solutions using invasive species and underused natural materials, creating wider community benefit while supporting local employment and future opportunities"

Jacqueline Durnin, Community Investment Manager at SSE, said: "Through the Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund, we are proud to support communities in delivering transformational projects that will have a lasting positive impact. This year's successful projects demonstrate the ambition, creativity and commitment of local communities, with initiatives that will strengthen inclusion, sustainability, wellbeing and resilience for years to come."

David Dunne, Asset Manager for Greencoat Renewables said: "The Galway Wind Park Major Projects Fund supports ambitious, community-led initiatives that create long-term local value. Alongside the annual Galway Wind Park Community Fund and Galway Wind Park Scholarship Programme, it forms part of Galway Wind Park's wider commitment to empowering communities for the green transition by supporting sustainability, resilience, equity and learning."

Since its launch in 2018, the Major Projects Fund has awarded €1.2 million to help deliver transformational community projects that might otherwise not proceed. Combined investment from the Major Projects Fund, the annual Community Fund and the Galway Wind Park Scholarship Programme has now reached €3.6 million across the region.