Community groups near Lenalea Wind Farm in County Donegal are being invited to apply for funding under the newly launched 2024–2025 Lenalea Community Benefit Fund.

A total of €90,000 is available this year to support local projects that promote economic development, climate action and social resilience.

This marks the first full year of funding based on renewable energy generation from the wind farm’s seven turbines between April 2024 and March 2025. It follows an initial round last month that awarded €30,000 to 14 community-led initiatives during the wind farm’s first three months of operation.

For the first time, applications are also open under the Major Projects Fund, which supports larger capital projects with long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include charities, social enterprises and community organisations located within 15 kilometres of the wind farm, with priority given to those within 10 kilometres.

Applications opened on Monday 13 October and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 21 November. An online information workshop will be held on Wednesday 29 October to assist prospective applicants. Registration details are available by emailing lenaleacbf@sse.com.

The Lenalea Wind Farm was commissioned in early 2024 following a €40 million joint investment by FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables. The site generates 30MW of renewable energy and is part of a long-term corporate power purchase agreement with Microsoft, contributing to the company’s goal of matching its electricity use with 100 percent renewable sources.

Funding awards are expected to be announced in early 2026. For more information or to apply, visit SSERenewables/lenaleafund.