Over 20 Fermanagh organisations receive £50,000 from Slieve Rushen windfarm fund

by Gráinne Connolly

24 organisations carrying out a range of local projects in South West Fermanagh and Cavan have received funding totalling £50,000 from the SlieveRushen Wind Farm Fund.

The fund awards grants to community projects located within a 12km radius of the wind farm.

Mantlin Ltd, owners of the SlieveRushen Wind Farm, launched the community fund in April this year to provide the local community with access to financial support,administered by the Fermanagh Trust.

This year there's been a wide range of locally based organisations to receive support. 

Initiatives receiving funding include community playgroups, sports clubs, schools, community associations, art, music and drama groups. 

The funding awarded will be used for coaching and tuition sessions; development of community centres including disability access; storage and external lighting; outdoor classrooms; equipment costs; arts and crafts programmes; bicycle shelter; development of pitches and running tracks; publication costs and solar panel installation.

Director of Fermanagh Trust, Lauri McCusker is excited about the impact the fund will have locally.

He said:

“The SlieveRushen Windfarm Fund presents an excellent opportunity for the local community to access funding which will benefit so many community activities.

"This is an amazing area with so much happening in terms of the arts, sport, educational and environment initiatives. It is wonderful for the Fermanagh Trust to work with Mantlin Ltd to support this community endeavour.”

Projects awarded include Kinawley Community Hall who have received funding to support the development of the first floor of the community centre, providing disability access and increased storage.

Teemore Football Club have received funding to improve their running track, fencing and LED lighting.

A number of groups in Derrylin village have also received funding including Kindertee Playgroup, Tiny Tots Parent and Toddler Group, St Ninnidh’s Community Centre, St Aidan’s PTFA and the Erne Boxing Club.

(Adrien Pinsard, Mantlin Ltd Director and Lauri McCusker, director of Fermanagh Trust)

The fund will open for applications again next year. Priorities for the fund and applications process for the 2018 grants will be announced early in the New Year.This information will be posted onwww.fermanaghtrust.orgwhen available.