Over half a million pounds now presented by SSE Airtricity to community groups in Fermanagh and Tyrone

SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s largest provider of renewable energy, has presented over £62,000 to 22 community groups in the vicinity of the Bessy Bell, Bin Mountain and Tappaghan Wind Farms.

This latest presentation brings the overall contribution to local groups through the Bin Mountain, Tappaghan and Bessy Bell Community Funds to over £520,000 since 2005.

Through its Community Fund programme, SSE Airtricity makes annual contributions to community groups located close to its wind farms. SSE Airtricity sold the Bin Mountain and Tappaghan Wind Farms in 2012, however, the company is still proud to operate the Community Fund on behalf of the owners, Greencoat UK Wind.

This year, 22 groups will receive funding, including schools, sports clubs and community associations.

Ederney Community Development Ltd is using their funding for the second phase of the Glendarragh Community Sustainable Gardens Project.

Leo Mulligan, Chairman of Ederney Community Development Ltd, said: “SSE Airtricity has continued funding our Glendarragh Community Sustainable Gardens Project, which has enabled us to proceed with our second phase. The project is transforming landscapes and has been designed so the community will work together to develop gardening skills and healthy eating initiatives. We’ve put a real emphasis on encouraging children to participate too.”

Castlederg St. Eugene’s GAC received funding to install solar panels on their club house.

Chris McLaughlin, Development Officer at Castlederg St. Eugene’s GAC, said: “Everyone involved with Castlederg St. Eugene’s GAC is delighted with the funding we’ve received through SSE Airtricity’s Community Fund. This financial support means we can install solar panels for the club, which will improve our energy rating, reduce bills and provide hot water.”

Other projects to receive a contribution from this year’s Community Funds, include cavity wall and attic insulation at Scraghey and District Community Development Association’s centre; energy efficient heating for Colaghty Parish Church; and wall, roof and floor insulation for Ederney St. Josephs GAA.

Anne Reynolds, SSE Airtricity Community Development Officer, commented: “We’re delighted that SSE Airtricity is presenting over £62,000 in funding for such a wide variety of forward-thinking and innovative local projects. It’s great to see so much of the money going towards greater energy efficiency, something we’re always promoting at SSE Airtricity.”

SSE Airtricity’s Bessy Bell Wind Farm and Greencoat UK Wind’s Bin Mountain and Tappaghan Wind Farms have a combined renewable energy generation capability of 51.5MW.