SSE has opened the second round of its Yellow River Community Benefit Fund, offering more than €300,000 to support community projects near the Yellow River Wind Farm in Co. Offaly. Applications are open now and will be accepted until Tuesday 17 November 2026.

Backed by the Yellow River Wind Farm, the 2026/27 programme totals €308,000 and is split between two streams: a €220,000 Local Community Fund and an €88,000 Major Projects Fund, aimed at helping groups, schools, clubs and organisations invest in local priorities.

Eligible applicants are community-focused initiatives located within 10km of the wind farm, with priority given to those within a 5km radius. Proposals that advance community development, energy efficiency, sustainability, climate action and safety are encouraged, with energy-efficiency measures receiving additional weighting.

Since its launch in 2025, the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund has provided more than €214,000 to local initiatives across counties Offaly, Westmeath and Meath.

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Among the first-round recipients was Ballybryan National School, which received €10,500 to replace its lighting with energy-efficient LEDs. The upgrade has lowered energy costs and improved the environment in a facility used by the wider community for activities including Comhaltas, Irish language classes, yoga, music lessons and community card groups.

Brian Darby, Principal of Ballybryan National School, said: "We are very grateful for the support provided through the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund. The funding enabled us to complete an LED lighting upgrade project that will provide long-term benefits for our school and the wider community. The project has improved energy efficiency, reduced operating costs and supported our efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. The support from SSE helped us deliver an initiative that would have been difficult to achieve through our own resources alone."

Vicky Boden, Senior Community Investment Manager at SSE Renewables, said: "We're delighted to launch the second round of the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund and make more than €300,000 available to support projects in local communities around Yellow River Wind Farm.

"Through the fund, we're helping community groups, schools, clubs and organisations invest in projects that can make a lasting difference, whether that's improving local facilities, reducing energy costs or supporting activities that bring people together.

"We'd encourage eligible local groups to explore the funding opportunities available and apply. We look forward to supporting projects that will deliver lasting benefits for communities across the region."

Full details on eligibility criteria and how to apply are available at sserenewables.com/communities/community-fund-locations/ireland/yellow-river/. Alternatively, groups can email [email protected].