– €90,000 available to support local projects near Lenalea Wind Farm –
– Applications open under the Major Project Fund for the first time –
13 October 2025: FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE have today announced the launch of the 2024/2025 Lenalea Community Benefit Fund, inviting applications from community groups located near the Lenalea Wind Farm in County Donegal.
This marks the first full year of available funding from the Lenalea Community Benefit Fund and is based on renewable energy generation over 12 months from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
It follows an initial funding round announced last month which saw €30,000 distributed to support to 14 community-led projects. That round was based on the wind farm’s first three months of operation in early 2024.
A total of €90,000 is available this year to support local initiatives that promote economic improvements, social resilience, and climate action. For the first time, the fund is also open to applications under the Major Projects Fund.
Eligible applicants include charities, community organisations and social enterprises operating within a 15km radius of Lenalea Wind Farm, with priority given to those within 10km. The Local Fund supports small-scale community initiatives while the Major Projects Fund is available for larger capital projects that deliver long-term benefits for the local area.
Applications open on Monday, 13 October and must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 21 November. To support prospective applicants, an online information workshop will be held on Wednesday, 29 October. Participants wishing to attend the workshop can email lenaleacbf@sse.com for registration details. Applicants can register and submit completed applications through SSERenewables/lenaleafund.
Funding awards are expected to be announced in early 2026.
The Lenalea Community Benefit Fund was established following the commissioning of the 30MW Lenalea Wind Farm, delivered through a joint investment of over €40 million by FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables. FuturEnergy Ireland is a joint venture between Coillte and ESB while SSE Renewables is part of leading energy infrastructure company SSE plc.
In 2024, FuturEnergy Ireland and SSE Renewables entered into a long-term corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with Microsoft. Under this agreement, the renewable energy generated by Lenalea Wind Farm’s seven turbines contributes to Microsoft’s goal of matching its electricity consumption with 100% renewable energy.
Anne Walsh, Stakeholder Manager at FuturEnergy Ireland, said:
“The launch of the full Lenalea community benefit fund is another significant project milestone that shows our commitment to supporting host communities. With €90,000 available this year, we are proud to support local projects and initiatives that reflect the priorities of those living near Lenalea Wind Farm, in collaboration with our co-development partner SSE. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact that this money will have on local people and their communities, and encourage applications from anyone who could benefit from the substantial funding available.”
Ciaran Maguire, Onshore Wind O&M General Manager Ireland for SSE Renewables, added:
“We’re proud to launch the full Lenalea Community Benefit Fund alongside our partners at FuturEnergy Ireland. This fund reflects our commitment to the communities that host renewable infrastructure. It has been shaped by meaningful consultation and guided by a locally appointed committee, ensuring it reflects the priorities of the people it’s designed to support.”
For more information or to apply, visit: SSERenewables/lenaleafund
Prospective applicants can also contact the Community Investment Manager via email LenaleaCBF@sse.com
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For more information contact:
Janine Thomas, Communications and Media Manager, at media@futurenergyireland.ie
About FuturEnergy Ireland:
FuturEnergy Ireland is a leading Irish wind developer established in 2021 as a stand-alone joint venture between Coillte and the ESB. The company was formed to maximise the potential of Ireland’s unique wind and land resources and accelerate Ireland’s transformation to a low carbon energy economy.
FuturEnergy Ireland is targeting the development of 1GW of renewable energy by 2030 by advancing high quality, carefully considered onshore wind and battery storage projects. These projects, once delivered, would power an estimated 730,000 homes annually, make a significant contribution to Ireland’s commitment to produce 80% of electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade, and deliver material emissions reductions. www.futurenergyireland.ie
About SSE Renewables:
SSE Renewables is a leading developer and operator of renewable energy generation, focusing on onshore and offshore wind, hydro, solar and battery storage. Part of energy infrastructure company SSE plc, UK-listed in the FTSE100, SSE Renewables delivers and operates clean power assets to deliver the cleaner and secure energy Ireland needs. Its operational fleet includes some of the leading onshore wind farms on the island of Ireland including the 174MW Galway Wind Park in Connemara and the 73MW Slieve Kirk Wind Park outside Derry City.
