BnM commits over €467,000 to local communities through Derrinlough Wind Farm fund
BnM has announced funding awards totalling more than €467,000 for local community organisations, students and residents through the Derrinlough Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and associated community investment initiatives.
Established as part of the Derrinlough Wind Farm project, the fund will deliver approximately €12 million to the local community over the lifetime of the wind farm. It will support local community projects, dedicated near neighbour supports, and scholarships for local students attending third-level education.
In the first year of the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, 21 community projects have been awarded funding with a combined Year 1 allocation of €153,500. The total cumulative commitment to these projects, including multiannual funding agreements, amounts to over €332,600.
In addition, BnM has committed a further €121,800 to the Fivealley Solar Meitheal project, alongside €35,500 in educational scholarships , with a disbursement of €17,500 in year one. Near neighbour supports amounted to €174,561 resulting in the total cumulative investment committed to community groups and initiatives associated with the Derrinlough development in year 1 to more than €467,000.
The company said the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund reflects its commitment to ensuring that renewable energy developments create lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits for the communities in which they are located.
On May 29, the Derrinlough Educational Scholarship Scheme recipients were celebrated at the Community Benefit Fund Awards Ceremony, held in Tullamore. Their studies include Agricultural Sciences, Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship and Software design with Virtual Reality and Gaming.
The Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund Committee was selected from local community representatives following the successful information evening held in December 2025.
Projects receiving support through the fund span a range of sectors including community energy, sustainability, recreation, social inclusion and local amenities. Among the projects awarded funding through the Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund are community-led sustainability initiatives, local amenity upgrades and social inclusion projects. Examples include support for Stonestown SEC’s Solar PV project, solar panels and battery storage infrastructure at Eglish & Rath Community Centre, the refurbishment of Banagher Fire Station for community use by Banagher Men’s Shed, a new commercial oven for Kilcormac Meals on Wheels, LED lighting along the walkway beside St Rynagh’s Hurling Club’s playing pitch, and maintenance equipment to support the ongoing development of Cloghan Lake by Cloghan Community Development Association.
Benedicta Durcan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager with BnM, said: “The Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund is designed to support projects that make a real difference within local communities. This year’s successful applicants represent an excellent mix of initiatives focused on sustainability, recreation, inclusion, education and community development.
"Over the lifetime of the Derrinlough Wind Farm, the fund will deliver approximately €12 million in funding to local communities, including support for community projects, educational scholarships and dedicated near-neighbour supports. In its initial phase, more than €467,000 has been committed across these areas, including funding for 21 local community projects and seven educational scholarships.
"We would like to thank all groups who took the time to apply and acknowledge the important work being carried out by community organisations throughout the region. BnM is proud to continue working alongside local communities as we deliver renewable energy infrastructure that supports both Ireland’s climate ambitions and regional development.”
For further information, visit www.derrinloughwindfarm.ie or www.bnm.ie.