Funding is now available for local community groups in the Brookeborough area through the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund, which has reopened for applications. Established by Energia, owners of the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm, the fund ensures that while the wind farm delivers environmental benefits, it also provides lasting social and economic value to the local community.
Administered by the Fermanagh Trust, County Fermanagh’s community foundation, the fund supports community projects within 5km of the wind farm. Small one-off grants of up to £2,000 are available, as well as strategic multi-year grants of up to £5,000 per annum for initiatives that make a significant contribution to community life. Applications are particularly welcomed for projects addressing themes such as reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, community first aid or defibrillator initiatives, cross-community events, volunteer driver schemes, environmental improvements, renewable energy, and mental health.
Last year, the Teiges Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund supported a wide range of projects that strengthened community life across Brookeborough and Cooneen.
St Mary’s Primary School enhanced its outdoor learning space thanks to support from the Fund
Aghavea Mothers’ Union maintained the community defibrillator, ran training sessions, and organised an outing, while Brookeborough Women’s Group held social and educational events and purchased a laptop for committee use. Colebrook & Cooneen Mothers’ Union hosted monthly activities for members and local seniors.
Children and young people benefited through projects at St Mary’s Primary School, which enhanced learning spaces and launched a cookery club, and Brookeborough Controlled Primary School, which offered an iPad photography course and community access to tablets. Brookeborough Youth Club and Brookeborough Ladies Football Club continued activities building confidence, teamwork, and social skills.
Cultural life flourished as Cooneen Pipe Band and Brookeborough Flute Band trained young musicians, while St Mary’s Bowling Club promoted intergenerational recreation through subsidised sessions.
Investment in facilities included kitchen refurbishment at Station House by Brookeborough and District Community Association, hall maintenance by Cooneen Community Development Association, and ICT and outdoor upgrades by Brookeborough & District Playgroup. Tiny Tots Brookeborough Elim added new toys for its expanding group.
Social connection was further strengthened through Brookeborough Wednesday Club’s crafts and outings, Colebrooke GFS’s activities, and Cooneen Rambling Club’s cross-community walking plans.
Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust, said: “It is great to see so many community initiatives in the Brookeborough area. Last year’s recipients delivered arts, sport, educational, and environmental projects supporting hundreds of people. The Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund is an excellent opportunity for local groups to access funding that benefits community life. We look forward to seeing this year’s applications.”
Rosy Billingham, Community Engagement Manager for Energia Renewables, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing this year’s grant applications for new projects and always welcome applications from new groups who haven’t applied before. Energia is grateful to the Fermanagh Trust for administering the fund and ensuring that it will have a positive, long-lasting impact in the local area. Their team are on hand to give advice to community groups – so don’t leave it to the last minute to apply for a project grant!”
Closing date: Thursday 6th November. For full details, guidelines and application forms, CLICK HERE or email secretary@fermanaghtrust.org.