BnM hosts Offaly gathering recognising community funding recipients
BnM (formerly Bord na Móna) recently hosted a community benefit awards evening in the Tullamore Court Hotel which recognised recipients of more than €700,000 in community funding and supports across Offaly, Kilkenny and Tipperary.
The company said 11 students in Offaly were supported through the BnM Educational Scholarship Scheme, while hundreds of thousands of euro had been distributed in the county through its community benefit funds and near-neighbour supports for local residents.
BnM said the Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gains and Near Neighbour Schemes provided €164,900 in 2025, including €112,100 for 26 community groups and €52,800 in near neighbour supports for local residents.
Recipients included North Offaly Community Development's Meals on Wheels service, Walsh Island Shamrocks, Daingean National School and the Offaly School of Special Education.
Through the 2025 Derrinlough Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, BnM said it committed €121,800 to the Fivealley Solar Meitheal Project, a partnership between Fivealley Sustainable Energy Committee, BnM and SEAI.
The initiative installed more than 700 solar panels across participating households, with BnM adding that further funding would support additional community-led projects in the area.
Funding and scholarship supports were also allocated through the Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and Educational Scholarship Scheme, with total 2025 funding of €300,000 supporting 17 community groups, a near-neighbour Scheme, and four local students.
Educational scholarship recipients from the Derrinlough and Cloncreen Wind Farm schemes were also recognised.
In total, 11 local students received support for third-level study in areas including geography and geoscience, agricultural science and sustainability, metal fabrication and multimedia, and mobile and web development.
Speaking at the recent event in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach John Leahy said: "Tonight is a celebration of the people and projects strengthening communities across Offaly and beyond.
"BnM's Community Benefit Funds and Community Gain Schemes have delivered lasting investment in local facilities, services, clubs and initiatives, and that impact will continue to grow.
"Offaly is a leader in renewable energy generation, and it is important that communities hosting this infrastructure see real, long-term benefits," Cllr Leahy added.
"I also want to acknowledge the volunteers, fund committee members and local organisations helping to direct this funding to the projects that matter most."
Brendan Connolly, Head of Asset Management and Trading at BnM, said: "As we develop indigenous renewable projects to support Ireland’s energy security, it is essential that host communities share in the long-term value they create.
"Through our Community Benefit Funds, Community Gain Schemes, Educational Scholarship Schemes and Near Neighbour supports, BnM is investing in projects that strengthen communities, support sustainability, improve local amenities and create opportunities for future generations."