Ireland: Knockaneden wind farm makes third annual award to the local community

The wind farm which is located in the townland of Knockaneden, Co. Kerry will enter its fourth year of operation in 2016.

This year 25 local organisations and initiatives received funding including care groups, community groups, local event organisations, sports clubs and schools.

Speaking at the awarding of the funds, Mainstream’s Operations Manager for Ireland, Barry Nelson said: “We are delighted to have received such great interest in the fund again this year and it’s very pleasing to see the positive impact it has on such a diverse range of worthwhile community initiatives.”

Siobhan O’Shea of Coars National School (pictured left with Barry Nelson) said: “This support is greatly enhancing the teaching and learning in our school and as a result our whole community is benefitting. We are forever grateful for the good work you are doing in support of this rural community which has suffered greatly as a result of the economic recession, unemployment and mass immigration. Keep up the good work!”

Cáit UíChonaill of Forbairt na Dromoda commented: “The Knockaneden Community Fund has helped develop outreach respite services for Carers in the home, the Childcare Facility and our Public Office services in recent years and for this we are extremely grateful.”

Each year the wind farm invites applications for funding from not-for-profit community based projects/activities within a 15km radius of the wind farm. Economic, social, cultural and educational projects from all aspects of community are considered. Preference is given to projects which have an environmental theme or are linked to sustainable local activities.

The following groups and organisations received funds:

• Caherciveen Community Alert
• Caherciveen Irish Country Women’s Association
• Caherciveen Men’s Shed
• Caherciveen Community Resource Centre
• Caherciveen Festival of Music & Arts
• Cahersiveen Parish Pastoral Council
• Caherciveen Women in Agriculture
• Coars National School
• Dromid Community Care
• Dromid ICA Guild
• Dromid Pearses GAA Club
• Filemore National School
• Forbairt na Dromoda
• Foilmore GAA Club
• IRD Foilmore Kells
• Iveragh Bereavement Support Group
• Iveragh Vintage Club
• Caherciveen Parish Support Group
• Reenard Development Group
• Scoil Saidhbhín
• Cillín Liath National School
• South West Kerry Family Resource Centre
• Southwest Kerry Women’s Association
• Finian’s National School
• Waterville Active Retired