Wide range of initiatives in Drumquin and Killen supported by Wind Farm Fund

The local communities in Drumquin and Killen have received a huge funding boost from Energia Group, owners of the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass wind farms, with over £80,000 awarded in grants this year. The funding will support a wide range of capital, educational, environmental, cultural and sporting initiatives.

To date, Energia Group has invested over £1.9 million in local projects across the island of Ireland through its wind farm funds.  The Cornavarrow and Slieveglass community benefit fund has been running since 2018 and is administered by the Fermanagh Trust.  It is designed to ensure that the two wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community. 

Sports clubs receiving funding this year include Drumquin United Football Club and Killen Rangers FC, who will use their grants to support development costs, including training and equipment. Drumquin Wolfe Tones GAA have also been awarded funding towards the completion of new training and youth pitches.

 

Claire O’Kane Conway Wolfe Tones GAA and Gareth Nethery Drumquin United Football Club

St Joseph’s PS, Drumquin, has been awarded funding for new outdoor equipment and external storage facilities. Local bands, Killen Pride of the Village and Ardbarron Pipe Band, will spend their grants on the refurbishment of their halls.
Other groups awarded grants include Castlederg and District Credit Union, who are building a new meeting room for clients, while Drumquin Social Club will use their funding for hall repairs. Funding has also been awarded to a project led by Drumquin Healthy Living Partnership to develop a new community riverside walkway in the village.

This year’s fund allocations will also see continued resources being provided to a number of projects awarded multi-year grants. These include Drumquin Community Youth Centre, which received a capital grant towards the modernisation of the existing local community centre, the Community Gym Facility, and Drumragh Sarsfields, who are creating three multi-use grass recreational areas and a new woodland walkway.

Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables, said: “A lot of local organisations have already received project funding through the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass wind farm fund and it’s particularly encouraging to see new groups on the list of grant allocations this year. We want our funds to make a positive difference in the areas where we operate and hope that that the news - and the impact - of this year’s successful projects will lead to even more applications next year for community initiatives, both big and small.”

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust added “The Cornavarrow and Slieveglass wind farm fund is an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many activities, helping with venue improvement, equipment and running costs. Congratulations to those who have received grant awards. There’s clearly an ambitious culture of community activity in this area which we’re so pleased to support. We wish them every success in their endeavours and we hope to reach even more organisations in future funding rounds.”

The fund will open for applications again late 2022. Funding is available for community organisations and projects located within 5km of either the Cornvarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farm. For more CLICK HERE