Energia Renewables community investment
Community benefit funds
Our wind farm benefit funds sponsorships and near neighbour payment schemes now provide over €1 million every year to communities living beside our wind farms.
Community benefit funds
Energia Group’s Community Benefit Funds support local projects that make a real difference.
Community benefit funds and investment
Energia believes local communities deserve to benefit from the construction and operation of its wind farms. We work with Community Foundation Ireland, Community Foundation NI (CFNI) and the Fermanagh Trust to ensure our funding has the maximum positive and lasting impact in the areas where we operate.
In FY26, we provided over €1 million to support a range of activities and projects in the communities where we operate across the island of Ireland. To date, through our benefit funds, sponsorships and household payment schemes, we have invested over €6 million in local communities - a level of support we are very proud of.
Drumlins Park Wind Farm, Co. Monaghan
Newbliss Childcare Services in rural County Monaghan is a key community facility, much-loved by young children and parents alike. There’s always a waiting list, which is why the facility manager, Patricia Stuart, and her team have been fundraising for a long-awaited extension.
Now, thanks to a €30,000 grant from our Drumlins Park Wind Farm community benefit fund, the extension looks set to go ahead with the promise of a new ‘wobbler’ room (for children aged between 18 and 24 months). Patricia says, “We’ve been looking forward to getting this extension for a long time and would like to thank all our supporters and everyone who’s helped with fundraising, including the new Drumlins Park fund, for making this happen. Expanding our services will make a huge difference to our community, families, staff and most importantly our little learners."
Meenadreen Wind Farm Fund, Co. Donegal
The Meenadreen Community Benefit Fund supports communities near Energia’s Meenadreen Wind Farm in South Donegal, providing €90,000 annually through community grants, student bursaries, and funding for strategic local projects.
One recent beneficiary is Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town, which has developed a new grass pitch and running track as part of a €350,000 community sports project. The facilities replace a long-standing waterlogged pitch and will provide opportunities for students and the wider community to enjoy sport and physical activity.
The project was funded through a combination of grants, local fundraising, and a €10,000 contribution from the Meenadreen Community Benefit Fund.
Vice Principal Ronan Doherty said: “This new pitch and track have been funded by—and for—the local community. We are grateful to all our supporters, including Energia’s Meenadreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, whose contribution helped make this project possible.”
AVS Under 14 Girls’ captain Evie Sweeney added: “We can’t wait to train and play on the new pitch. The facilities will benefit everyone in the school and give students more opportunities to stay active and enjoy being outdoors.”
Meenadreen student bursary
The Meenadreen Wind Farm fund, like all our funds, is tailored to the needs of the local community and prioritises energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
In addition to allocating community project grants, the annual €90,000 fund operates a local bursary scheme, covering higher education tuition fees for a small number of local students. This initiative was the result of a community group workshop and was awarded the Overall Winner trophy at the 2022 Wind Energy Ireland Awards.
Most funds are fully subscribed but, where funding is not fully allocated, it ‘rolls over’ to the following year and grant sizes are reviewed in conjunction with the local community.
Long Mountain Wind Farm Fund, Co. Antrim
It’s hard to say no to a cup of tea and a bun when you’re with the Glarryford Women’s Institute (WI), especially when they have something to celebrate. The local WI has marked its 70th anniversary with a year long programme of events and a formal celebration in the grand setting of the Co. Antrim Magheramorne Estate in November.
It’s taken a lot of hard work to organise and a lot of fundraising. That’s where the Long Mountain Wind Farm fund comes in.
The local WI has applied for several grants from the fund over the years to help keep membership fees down while keeping the lights on and organising new activities. No, it’s not just ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ for these ladies (The Northern Ireland WI opt for ‘A Countrywoman’s Song’, by the way). In January, they invited the local Crime Prevention Officer to come and talk about scams and how to avoid them.
Slieveglass Wind Farm, Co. Tyrone
The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard and rural clubs and community associations are finding it more and more difficult to fundraise locally, which can leave them with no other choice but to increase membership fees – something they are loathe to do.
The Pride of the Derg Flute Band in Castlederg, Co. Tyrone is helping young people connect with Ulster-Scots music and culture through free music tuition.
Supported by a £1,000 grant from the Slieveglass Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, the band's ‘Off the Streets 2026’ initiative will provide free flute and drumming lessons to 30 school-age children. Committee member and coach Sam Monaghan said “the funding will help the band provide instruments and introduce more young people to traditional music. Many participants will be receiving formal music lessons for the first time, while also developing skills that can support further musical education”.
The programme aims to encourage a love of music and local heritage while providing a positive and engaging activity for young people in the community.
Rathsherry Wind Farm, Co. Antrim
All Saints Amateur Boxing Club in Ballymena has received a £3,000 grant from the Rathsherry Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund to support its youth training programmes.
The club, which attracts many young members from nearby Broughshane, is known for its inclusive approach and affordable membership. Alongside developing boxing skills, the programme helps young people build confidence, fitness and friendships.
Eleven-year-old Olivia from Broughshane says joining the club has boosted her confidence and given her the opportunity to learn a sport she loves. The club caters for all ages and abilities, providing a positive environment for children and young people to stay active and engaged in their community.
Cornavarrow Wind Farm, Co. Sligo
Drumquin United is a cross-community football club based in the village of Drumquin in Co. Tyrone. The club competes in the Fermanagh and Western League, with home fixtures played at the council pitch in the centre of Drumquin.
Thanks to the is Cornavarrow Wind Farm fund, the club is using a £2,000 grant to provide regular football training and cover rising running costs, including pitch hire.
Midfielder Sean O’Kane was quick to earn his place on the team – despite the fact that he’d never played soccer until last year. His focus had always been on Gaelic football but found the Spring/Summer season too short. He wanted to keep playing through the winter and Drumquin FC was the answer.
Sean told us: “I hadn’t really ever thought about playing soccer before but some friends got me to come along to a training session and it’s a great club with a real sense of community amongst the players, members and local supporters. I’m not taking anything for granted, though. You have to train and earn you place on the team every week.”
Derrysallagh Wind Farm, Co. Sligo
Energia Renewables joined local residents and community leaders to celebrate the official opening of a new community pitch in Arigna, Co. Roscommon.
The project began in 2019, when the Arigna Recreational Enhancement Association (AREA) secured support from Energia’s Derrysallagh Wind Farm construction fund. An initial €120,000 contribution helped unlock further investment, including almost €500,000 from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The completed development features a floodlit community pitch, walking track and village plaza, creating a shared space for sport, recreation and community activities.
AREA Treasurer Barry Cobb thanked all funders for their support, noting that Energia’s early sponsorship helped bring the ambitious project to life and deliver a lasting community asset for Arigna.
Contact Details
If you have any questions about our wind farm community benefit funds, please contact our Community Liaison Officers by email atclo@energia.ie, or phone +44 (0)78 80432201 or +353 (0)87 9944952.
