SSE Airtricity, Ireland’s largest renewable energy generator, has presented over €100,000 to 42 community groups within the vicinity of its Meentycat Wind Farm.
Last September, over 800 walkers representing almost 42 local groups took part in a 15km sponsored walk through the wind farm. Groups of walkers from Ballybofey, Cloghan, Convoy, Lifford, Drumkeen, Glenswilly, Letterkenny, Stranorlar, the Finn Valley, and other areas in the vicinity of the wind farm took part in the event.
As well as having the opportunity to raise funds, walkers also enjoyed the opportunity to get up close to many of the 63 wind turbines while taking in spectacular views of Donegal’s most stunning natural landmarks including Mount Errigal and Barnesmore Gap.
Under SSE Airtricity’s Community Fund Programme, sponsorship raised by participating groups in the sponsored walk is topped up by additional funding payments from Airtricity. This year community groups raised over €68,000 with Airtricity contributing an additional €47,699 to participating groups.
In total, more than €100,000 in community funding was presented by SSE Airtricity to local beneficiary groups. This brings the total of funding into the communities around SSE’s Meentycat Wind Farm to over €610,000 since 2007.
Anne Reynolds, SSE Airtricity Community Liaison Officer, comments:
“With 800 walkers raising over €116,000 for local groups, both through their own fundraising efforts and through the community funding provided by SSE Airtricity, this year’s Meentycat Sponsored Walk was one of our largest to date. The event demonstrates the passion and commitment that local community groups continue to show to raise much-needed funding in these difficult times.”
For the seventh consecutive year, SSE Airtricity are also providing funding for energy efficiency and sustainability projects around the wind farm, and this year,10local projects have received support from the fund.
Drumkeen United Football Club, which received funding for the thirdconsecutive year, will use the funds to install energy efficient windows at the club house, while Letterkenny Rugby Club will use the funding to install new energy efficient pitch side lighting.
Other projects to receive funding from the 2014 Community Fund include, energy efficient windows and fire door for Twin Town Boxing Club, ball safety nets for Glenfinn GAA, energy efficient insulation for Gleneely National School.