SSE and Greencoat Renewables have opened applications for the 2026 Galway Wind Park Community Fund, with approximately €200,000 available to support projects that deliver lasting benefits to local communities.
Community groups across Connemara and surrounding areas are encouraged to apply, with funding available to organisations located within 20km of Galway Wind Park. Applications are open until Wednesday 8 July 2026, with priority given to projects located within 5km of Galway Wind Park.
Launched in 2018, the Galway Wind Park Community Fund provides approximately €400,000 annually through three funding streams: the Local Community Fund, the Major Projects Fund, and the Scholarship Fund. The fund supports initiatives that deliver long-term social, educational, environmental, and recreational benefits to local communities. To date, more than €3.16 million has been awarded to local organisations and projects, including schools, sports clubs, community centres and voluntary groups across the region.
Among the successful recipients in 2025 was Cullinamuck National School, which received funding to install a polytunnel on its school grounds.
Joanne O’Donoghue, Principal of Cullinamuck National School, said:
“Thanks to the Galway Wind Park Community Fund, our school was able to install a polytunnel. This is far more than a place to grow vegetables; it has become a living classroom where children can learn through touch, sight, smell and exploration. It has created opportunities for hands-on learning that simply cannot be replicated indoors. We also aim to develop our sensory garden with more features to enhance this interactive learning environment including sound installations, a mud kitchen and sand pit. This invaluable investment has truly transformed our school community. Now, every pupil, including those with special educational needs has access to a dynamic, hands-on learning space.”
Anne Reynolds, Community Investment Manager for SSE Renewables, said:
"The Galway Wind Park Community Fund continues to make a real difference to communities across Connemara and the surrounding areas, supporting projects that enhance local facilities, create opportunities and bring people together. Since 2018, the fund has invested more than €3.16 million in community initiatives, and we are delighted to open applications once again for 2026. We encourage eligible groups to apply and look forward to supporting projects that will deliver lasting benefits for local communities.”
David Dunne, Asset Manager at Greencoat Renewables, said:
“Greencoat Renewables’ commitment to a sustainable future extends beyond the renewable energy we generate. We are committed to continuing to support projects in the vicinity of Galway Wind Park that can bring a transformational difference to communities.”
Apply for the 2026 Galway Wind Park Local Fund at: sserenewables.com/galwayfund