The Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund, which launched last year, is open again for applications from local community groups in the Brookeborough area.

Owners of the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm, Energia, set up the fund to ensure that the wind farm, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community.

The Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund will be available to community projects within 5K of the wind farm with the funding administered by the Fermanagh Trust. Small one-off grants will be available for various activities up to a maximum of £2000. There will also be grants available for longer strategic programmes involving a number of organisations which will be delivered over a one to two-year period and larger grants for strategic capital projects.

Last year 17 organisations carried out local projects in the Brookeborough area and received funding totalling almost £50,000 from the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund. These organisations included Community Development Associations, schools, bands and sports clubs with the grants awarded to cover a wide range of educational, youth focused, environmental, cultural and sporting initiatives.

Managing director of Energia Renewables, Peter Baillie said “We are very committed to support the communities where we invest, getting resources and much needed funding on the ground. Energia are delighted to be working with the Fermanagh Trust who operate this fund on our behalf, providing real opportunity for groups and organisations to access financial support and contribute to community life. We are confident that over time many local community organisations and voluntary groups will see the benefit of this initiative.”

Director of the Fermanagh Trust, Lauri McCusker added “It is great to see so many community initiatives in the Brookeborough area. Last year’s grant recipients were able to carry out a number of projects in terms of the arts, sport, educational and environmental initiatives, supporting 100s of people. The Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund is an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many community activities. We know from our work over the last 20 years that there are some fantastic voluntary projects taking place and we look forward to seeing applications coming in.”

The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday November 16. For more information, guidelines and application forms visit www.fermanaghtrust.org or contact hazel@fermanaghtrust.org.