Energia Group wind farm funds invest over €1 million a year in local communities
Energia Group invested more than €1 million in local communities during FY26 through its wind farm community benefit funds, local sponsorships and proximity payment schemes across the island of Ireland.
Image: Glarryford Women’s Institute received a €3,500 grant towards running costs and 70th anniversary celebrations.
18th July, 2026
Energia Group invested more than €1 million in local communities during FY26 through its wind farm community benefit funds, local sponsorships and proximity payment schemes across the island of Ireland.
The funding supported more than 125 community groups and voluntary organisations, helping to deliver projects and services with an estimated reach of over 55,000 participants and service users. This brings Energia Group's total community investment to date to more than €6 million through its wind farm funds.
Grants prioritise sustainability in line with Energia’s support for UN Sustainability Development Goals, including No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. All funds are administered on behalf of Energia by independent charitable trusts and, in a recent shift of policy, now offer grants to help with community group running costs and overheads.
The Glarryford Women’s Institute in County Antrim received a €3,500 grant from Energia’s Long Mountain Wind Farm fund to help keep membership fees down while keeping the lights on and organising new activities. Treasurer, Gillian Reid, says, “We’re working hard to get new – and younger – members with our programme of speakers and events but over the past few years we’ve been struggling with running costs and things like hall hire. There aren’t many funders like Energia who understand these struggles and offer to cover overheads. We’re very grateful to the Long Mountain Wind Farm fund for helping us to celebrate 70 years of building local friendships and community connections.”
Image: Newbliss Childcare Services in County Monaghan received a €30,000 grant towards a new extension.
In FY2026, Energia’s community benefit funds allocated grants ranging from €500 for hall rental up to €30,000 for new childcare facilities.
According to Energia Renewables Community Engagement Manager, Rosy Billingham, small grants shouldn’t be overlooked. She explains, “We often highlight the strategic impact a large donation can make, supporting community infrastructure projects and new facilities. However, fundraising is hard in any community - and particularly difficult in rural areas. Generosity runs deep but the same small group of people are often asked to give again and again. And that’s where our community benefit funds can help.
“We want to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are shared with the communities living and working beside our wind farms and other renewable energy infrastructure. We regularly review our funds and listen to groups on the ground, many of whom have been struggling to keep afloat and keep delivering key local services and activities in their area.”
Image: The Barnesmore Sheepdog Society Autumn Trials have received a small grant of up to €2,000 every year from the Meenadreen Wind Farm fund since it was set up.
Thanks to an annual grant of up to €2,000 from Energia’s Meenadreen Wind Farm fund in County Donegal, the Barnesmore Sheepdog Society has kept its popular sheepdog trials running every September.
Chairman, Patsy Boyle, says, “Over 140 competitors take part in the two-day event, from younger novice handlers to Ireland and UK champions. It’s impressive to watch top handlers and elite dogs at work but our members also want to see the next generation in action. The trials showcase a farming tradition that we want to keep alive. It’s a celebration of rural life here in Donegal but we rely on our volunteers to keep going and we’re grateful to Energia’s wind farm fund for its continued support.”
