Seven local groups awarded grants from ESB Shannonbridge fund
Seven local community groups have been awarded funding from a Shannonbridge fund set up as part of the ESB's temporary emergency generation project at the former West Offaly Power site.
This year's recipients were presented with their funding by Avril Wilson of EirGrid and Fionn Griffin of ESB at an event in the community hall in Shannonbridge on Thursday last, April 2.
The fund is now in its third year, and the groups which have benefited from it include: Shannonbridge Community Services Group, Shannonbridge Tidy Towns Committee, St. Kieran’s Park, Shannonbridge Residents Group, Belmont & District Fishing Club, Shannonbridge Playground Committee, Raghra Christmas Lights, and Bhm Development Group.
An ESB spokesperson said the work undertaken by these community groups benefits Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, with a number of supported projects developing local sustainability and biodiversity initiatives.
The Shannonbridge temporary emergency generation (TEG) project is being delivered by the ESB on behalf of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment and EirGrid.
Avril Wilson, Senior Lead Engagement Specialist, EirGrid, said: “As work has progressed on the development of the Shannonbridge TEG, in conjunction with our partners, the community benefit fund has recognised the important role that the community in Shannonbridge has played in supporting the delivery of this important infrastructure project.
"I was delighted to recently meet with local groups that have received funding and to hear more about the fantastic initiatives which the fund is contributing to in the area.
"The fund, and the organisations which it has supported, will leave a positive legacy behind long after the completion of the Shannonbridge TEG project."
Fionn Griffin, ESB’s Emergency Generation Manager, said: "ESB has now completed the construction of the temporary emergency generation plant at Shannonbridge and the plant is available to operate if needed by EirGrid.
"ESB has a longstanding history in Shannonbridge and surrounding areas, dating back to the 1960s and we understand the impact that projects of this scale can have on local communities in Shannonbridge.
"We are delighted, along with EirGrid, to continue to support local and worthwhile community initiatives and would like to thank the Shannonbridge community for their continued support," he added.