Applications open for second round of Yellow River Community Benefit Fund

SSE has launched the second round of the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund, making more than €300,000 available to local community projects, schools, clubs and organisations located near Yellow River Wind Farm in Co. Offaly.

Applications are open from now until Tuesday, November 17.

Supported by Yellow River Wind Farm, the fund will provide €308,000 during 2026/27 through two funding streams: the Local Community Fund, worth €220,000, and the Major Projects Fund, worth €88,000.

The fund is open to community-based projects located within 10km of Yellow River Wind Farm, with priority given to projects located within 5km of the wind farm.

Projects that support community development, energy efficiency, sustainability, climate action and safety are encouraged to apply. Projects that improve energy efficiency will receive additional consideration for their contribution to reducing energy use and supporting a more sustainable future.

Since being established in 2025, the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund has already invested more than €214,000 in local community projects across counties Offaly, Westmeath and Meath.

One organisation to benefit from the first round of the Yellow River fund has been Ballybryan National School, which received €10,500 to upgrade its lighting system with energy-efficient LED lighting.

The project has reduced energy costs, improved environmental sustainability and enhanced a facility that plays a central role in the wider community. Outside school hours, the school is regularly used by a range of local groups and activities, including Comhaltas, Irish language classes, yoga sessions, music lessons and community card groups.

Brian Darby, Principal of Ballybryan National School, said: "We are very grateful for the support provided through the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund. The funding enabled us to complete an LED lighting upgrade project that will provide long-term benefits for our school and the wider community. The project has improved energy efficiency, reduced operating costs and supported our efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. The support from SSE helped us deliver an initiative that would have been difficult to achieve through our own resources alone."

Vicky Boden, Senior Community Investment Manager at SSE Renewables, said: "We’re delighted to launch the second round of the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund and make more than €300,000 available to support projects in local communities around Yellow River Wind Farm.

“Through the fund, we're helping community groups, schools, clubs and organisations invest in projects that can make a lasting difference, whether that's improving local facilities, reducing energy costs or supporting activities that bring people together.

“We’d encourage eligible local groups to explore the funding opportunities available and apply. We look forward to supporting projects that will deliver lasting benefits for communities across the region."

Applications are now open and will close on Tuesday, November 17..

Full details on eligibility criteria and how to apply are available at sserenewables.com/communities/community-fund-locations/ireland/yellow-river/.

Alternatively, groups can contact SSE’s Community Investment Manager by emailing communityfundireland@sse.com.