Galway Wind Park – Major Projects Fund

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Sample projects include; energy efficiency projects or initiatives that encourage and deliver renewable electricity generation projects. Projects that will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Sample projects include; efforts to protect and enhance the cultural and natural heritage of the local community, community planning, projects that aim to improve or enhance the local infrastructure, heritage, sports and recreation, local regeneration and deliver long-term social and safety benefits.

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Sample projects include; projects that seek to improve or enhance landscape and biodiversity, that deliver long-term environmental improvements.

FORUM Connemara CLG led a restoration project in the Connemara Bog Complex targeting invasive Rhododendron ponticum across 71.25 hectares in Seanadh Phéistín and Derreighter, near Galway Wind Park. As part of a wider biodiversity and habitat restoration initiative called Dúlra, with co-funding from the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP, the team employed stem injection techniques to control invasive species. This method achieved over 85% first-pass clearance, reducing the spread of the plant and its harmful effects on soil and native biodiversity.

Rhododendron ponticum produces grayanotoxins, which are toxic to many herbivores. Its dense evergreen growth and slow-decomposing leaf litter form a thick, acidic humus layer that suppresses native vegetation by blocking light and reducing nutrient availability to native fauna. A resurgence of heathers, mosses and lichens in treated areas signals ecological recovery, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted herbicide application via small incisions in the bark near the plant’s base.

As part of the wider Dúlra restoration project, 8 new roles were created, including hiring Ecologist Ellen Tuck. The 21-person team delivered 391 person-days of work, trained 226 locals in control methods, and hosted 7 public workshops with over 120 attendees to boost community engagement in conservation.

A mobile kiln converted the biomass into biochar, a carbon rich material that improves soil fertility, supports carbon sequestration, and advances climate action and sustainability.

"This project promotes local ownership through education, partnerships, and shared stewardship. We aim to raise awareness, address local concerns, and support communities in controlling this invasive species over the next 3–5 years.”

Sinead Grimes, Project Manager, Dúlra Forum Connemara CLG

Coiste na Páirce, an Cheathrú Rua, is committed to supporting active, inclusive community life. Built in 2008 at a cost of over €750,000, Carraroe’s FIFA Standard Full-Size astroturf pitch has become a vital asset, used by 14 local clubs and schools for Gaelic, hurling, rugby, soccer, as well as by families, leisure users and walkers.

Following years of heavy use, the pitch required essential upgrades to remain safe and fit for purpose. With €75,000 from the Galway Wind Parks Major Project Fund, the surface has now been replaced with a new FIFA approved, all-weather pitch that also meets the standards of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), enabling year-round use for competitive play.

The pitch is in constant demand and often oversubscribed, especially during bad weather when grass pitches are unplayable. To ease pressure and demonstrate the community’s commitment to sustainability, the committee plans to repurpose the old turf to create additional space, for training, warm-ups and recreational, reflecting the principles of the circular economy.

This project protects a major community investment providing a safe, accessible and high-quality sports facility, where people of all ages can come together, be active and enjoy the many benefits that sports brings to their lives.

"As a volunteer committee, this funding gave us the confidence to deliver a much-needed upgrade, ensuring the pitch remains safe, accessible, and to the highest standard. It's more than a pitch, it's where our young people train, our teams compete, and our community comes together.”

The Rosscahill woods are an important and popular recreational area in rural Galway. The woods have been a sanctuary for hundreds during the pandemic. They are a safe place of natural beauty and peace which promotes well-being. An award of €42,000 from the Galway Major Project Fund has enabled the community to develop a forestry trail and significantly extend and enhance accessibility.

The investment to develop the path will benefit the entire community for generations. Along with providing a place of natural beauty for the local community, it will also serve as a safe alternative access point to the broader parish and community encouraging the use of green alternative modes of transport.

"This trail is a means of promoting environmental awareness, protection and an educational environment. It also provides a safe, sustainable and beautiful social outlet where neighbours can meet, deliberately or by chance, and share a few words.”

Valerie Butler, Chairperson, Marginalised Residents of Doon East