This local community fund has been set up by Energia Renewables, working in close partnership with local groups from the areas surrounding the Tyrone 3 Windfarms. The Tyrone 3 Windfarms comprises three farms, which are:

Altamuskin (6 wind turbines / 14.1MW)
Eshmore (3 wind turbines / 7.0MW)
Gortfinbar (5 wind turbines / 15.0.MW)

The windfarms are situated in close proximity to each other between the town of Ballygawley and the villages of Carrickmore, Sixmilecross and Beragh in County Tyrone. They are located in the Mid Ulster District and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council areas respectively.

Energia has 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 Tyrone 3 Windfarms Community Benefit Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Funding will be available to local community projects that are planned and run for the benefit of the local population and are within 7 miles of the centre of the three windfarms – as per map.

In the event of oversubscription, priority will be given to projects based within 5 miles of the centre of the three windfarms – as per map. 

The fund will support projects addressing issues within the following theme areas:

Energy efficiency and sustainability
Social, cultural or sporting benefit for the local community
Educational issues with a sustainability angle
Environmental benefit or economic benefit

Fund priorities:

Projects that improve the utilisation of existing community space in areas within the fund boundary.
Contributions towards running/administration costs and for purchasing additional equipment to expand and support new and existing services/activities in each of the areas.
Particular emphasis will be placed on funding activities/services that are specifically aimed at older people, people with disabilities, children and teenagers (including pre-school children), providing skills development of local people and promoting health related activities or services.
Applicants are encouraged to network, share best practice and co-operate more between the areas. Projects which demonstrate the ability to collaborate, network and share best practice will be encouraged and supported.
Projects and programmes offering invaluable advice and information and signposting on key Rural issues should be supported e.g. Farm Support Services, Welfare & amp; Benefits and Parenting/Family issues etc.
Outdoor/Environmental projects will be considered in terms of encouraging a healthier and active community as well as protecting and enhancing the local environment.
Wider community events and programmes that encourage greater community interaction (including cross community aspects) encompassing the local rich and varied cultural aspects of music, drama, dance and sport.

Examples of who can apply:

Constituted voluntary organisations and community groups
Local youth groups

Examples of projects that the fund might support:

Local cultural projects recording and researching history
Establishment of a “Men’s Shed” or other similar initiative
Small capital works to a community facility
Environmental awareness projects
Activities supporting young people, the elderly, those with disabilities
Community wide events
Strategic projects that will benefit a number of communities, including partnership applications

Grants size:

Grants up to £5,000

Closing date for applications is 8th December 2023 at 1pm

For more information and to apply, please visit Tyrone Three Community Benefit Fund (Gortfinbar, Eshmore and Altamuskin) - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)