22 organisations carrying out a range of local projects in the South West Fermanagh and Cavan area have received funding totalling almost £50,000 from the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund. The fund awards grants to community projects located within a 12km radius of the wind farm. The fund was launched in April last year to provide the local community with access to financial support, administered by the Fermanagh Trust.

Initiatives receiving funding include community playgroups, sports clubs, schools, community associations, arts, music, history and drama groups. Funding awarded will be used for youth activities, equipment costs, environmental projects, tutor costs, defibrillators, celebration events and capital projects.

Organisations awarded grants include Derrylin O’Connells GAC who received funding to install a new running / walking track at the club. St Aidan’s PTFA will use their grant for an environmental project including purchase of a polytunnel and a range of equipment for the school. Derrylin Crochet Club received funding to cover tutor, transport and refreshment costs.

Teemore Regeneration Group received funding for a Christmas event including new Christmas lights for the town. Kinawley / Killesher Historical Archive will use their grant to purchase a laptop, camcorder and accessories.

Mantlin Ltd Director, Adrien Pinsard said “The Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund is helping to make a positive contribution to the work of all these organisations and the wider community where there is so much happening in terms of the arts, sport, educational and environmental initiatives. Mantlin Ltd is pleased to be working with the Fermanagh Trust to support this community endeavour.’’

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust added “It is a pleasure to award funding to these fantastic initiatives and it’s wonderful to see such a range of community and educational based activity taking place in this part of the county. The Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund is an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many projects and it is once again a proven track record of the community benefit wind farms can bring.”

The fund will open for applications again next year. For more information visit www.fermanaghtrust.org