Latest round of Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund opens

BnM has announced the opening of the fourth year of the Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. The fund will distribute €150,000 to community and voluntary groups, non-profit organisations, clubs and societies, and organisations with charitable status that deliver community goods and services within 10km of Cloncreen Wind Farm.

Since the fund was established in 2023, almost €450,000 has been distributed to 58 community projects across Clonbullogue, Ballyfore, Edenderry, Bracknagh, Clonmore and Rhode. Supported initiatives include youth facilities, community hall upgrades, biodiversity and heritage initiatives, renewable energy installations, and other local sustainability projects. These projects are delivered through the dedication and commitment of local volunteers and community organisations.

The fund forms part of the wider community benefit package associated with Cloncreen Wind Farm and is expected to distribute approximately €2.25 million to neighbouring communities over a 15-year period.

Brendan Connolly, Head of Asset Management and Trading at BnM said: “BnM is pleased to open the latest round of the Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. Since this specific Fund was established in 2023, almost €450,000 has been distributed to 58 community projects in communities neighbouring Cloncreen Wind Farm, supporting a wide range of local initiatives including community facilities, sustainability projects, biodiversity programmes and youth services. We encourage all eligible organisations with projects that can deliver practical and lasting benefits for local people to apply for funding. Community investment remains a central part of BnM’s approach to renewable energy development. In calendar year 2025 alone, BnM invested more than €450,000 across North Offaly communities through the combined community funding associated with BnM renewable energy projects in the region, including community benefit funding, educational scholarships and local support initiatives. We are proud to continue working alongside community groups to deliver projects that strengthen local communities, support education and sustainability, and create lasting value for the region.”

The fund is administered by M-CO, an independent strategic design and project management company specialising in climate action and community development and is overseen by a Fund Committee comprising local volunteer representatives.

Emma O’Mahony, Community Benefit Fund Administrator on behalf of M-CO, said: “As Fund Administrators, we are here to support applicants through the process and help turn community project ideas into reality. We encourage any community group with a project that will benefit communities neighbouring Cloncreen Wind Farm to get in touch. This is our fourth year working with organisations in the area and we look forward to supporting another exciting round of local projects.”

BnM developed Cloncreen Wind Farm in east Offaly as a key contribution towards Ireland’s energy security, representing an investment of more than €100 million in renewable energy infrastructure in Offaly.

Further details on the fund and how to apply are now available at https://cloncreenwindfarm.submit. com

Community groups seeking asssitance with applications can contact M-CO at communitybenefitfund.mco.ie