SSE has allocated €164,000 to community groups across Cavan and Monaghan through its East Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund, backing projects that advance community development, energy efficiency, sustainability and safety.

Supported by Bindoo and Gartnaneane Wind Farms in East Cavan and Mullananalt Wind Farm in Co. Monaghan, the annual fund has awarded €154,779 to 15 organisations this year, alongside €9,500 in microgrants for a further 10 local initiatives.

Since it began in 2004, the fund has invested more than €2.6 million in local communities, helping deliver projects that provide long-term benefits for residents across the region. This year's round spans renewable energy, energy-saving upgrades, sports and recreation, childcare, community resilience and emergency response.

Among the recipients, Rainbow Kids Playgroup CLG has been granted €30,000 to complete vital fire safety works, strengthening its role as a community childcare hub. Glaslough Villa Football Club will use €24,789 to fit battery-powered LED floodlights, and Clontibret GFC will apply €16,784 to improve energy efficiency and ventilation in its gym.

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The latest awards are expected to unlock over €60,000 in match funding, taking the combined value of supported projects to more than €216,000. Collectively, the initiatives are anticipated to benefit in excess of 25,000 people across both counties.

Jacqueline Durnin, SSE Community Investment Manager, said: "We're delighted to support another diverse range of projects through the East Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund.

"For more than 20 years, this fund has helped local groups invest in facilities, services and initiatives that strengthen communities and improve quality of life for local people. This year's successful projects demonstrate the ambition and commitment that exists across Cavan and Monaghan to create more sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities.

"We congratulate all successful applicants and look forward to seeing these projects deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve."

Funded initiatives this year include:

- Energy efficiency upgrades at community centres, schools and sporting facilities.

- Solar PV and battery storage at community and educational sites.

- LED lighting projects to cut energy use and operating costs.

- Fire safety improvements enabling expanded, sustainable childcare services.

- Inclusion projects supporting older people and vulnerable groups.

- Equipment and training for volunteer first responders.

- Enhanced sporting, recreational and youth facilities.

The East Cavan and Monaghan Community Fund is part of SSE's commitment to share the benefits of renewable energy generation with communities near its wind farms.

Successful projects supported through the 2026 round include: Rainbow Kids Playgroup CLG (€30,000); Glaslough Villa Football Club (€24,789); Clontibret GFC (€16,784); Latton O'Rahilly GAA (€13,800); Borora Community First Responders (€11,310); Drumgoon Community Centre (€10,180); Shercock GFC (€8,703); and Corduff Raferagh Community Association (€7,500).