Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm opens €100,000+ Community Benefit Fund for Applications
Sliabh Bawn Power DAC is pleased to announce the opening of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm 2025 Community Benefit Fund. Community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups, or organisations with a charitable status are encouraged to apply for funding. The fund aims to support local projects that make a positive contribution to communities adjacent to the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm with applications encouraged across six categories including Recreation, Social Sustainability, Culture and Heritage, Environmental Sustainability and Tourism. The application window will remain open until Friday, 30<sup>th</sup> January 2026.
The Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm is a joint venture between BnM, Coillte and Greencoat Renewables, and the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund is administered by SECAD Partnership.
Making the announcement on behalf of Sliabh Bawn DAC, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at BnM Alison Tilley outlined: “We are delighted to launch the 2025 Community Benefit Fund for the local community adjacent to the wind farm. Community investment is a central pillar of BnM’s 5GW renewable energy pipeline, which is directly supporting Ireland’s National Development Plan. The fund will support community organisations and locally led projects, enabling them to continue providing valuable services to people in the area. This year the Fund is valued at over €100,000 and is open for applications until the 30th January 2026, but we strongly urge community groups to apply ahead of the deadline where possible. We look forward to continuing to support local organisations and initiatives adjacent to the wind farm”
Elaine Barrett, Community Benefit Fund Coordinator on behalf of SECAD Partnership, stated: “SECAD Partnership as fund administrator, are looking forward to supporting the communities near Sliabh Bawn, for any assistance they may need with their projects and applications. We look forward to seeing the continued benefit of the Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund to the local communities, ensuring the funding has a positive and lasting impact.”
A portion of this year’s fund value has already been committed to projects in the community through multi annual awards made through previous funding rounds. These projects include: Curraghroe Church Car Park Committee and Ballyfeeney National School.
Other projects supported by the 2024 Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund include:
Kilgefin Womens Group / Shed
Ballagh National School
Cloontuskert Development and Tidy Towns Association CLG
Cloontuskert NS
Strokestown United
Strokestown GAA Club
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns
Strokestown International Poetry Festival 2025
St. Mary’s Primary School Strokestown
Clooncagh N.S.
Ballagh House men’s shed
Ballyleague – Kilgefin Men’s Shed
Sliabh Ban Athletics Club
Roscommon Sports & Classic Car Club PLC
Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club
Ballyleague National School
North Lough Ree Water Amenities Group
Among the groups supported by the overall Community Benefit Fund in the past are local schools, sports clubs, development associations, first responder schemes, community facilities, scout groups, local athletic clubs and community support services and outreach programmes.
Applications will be reviewed, assessed, and scored by both Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm DAC and a local committee consisting of representatives from the communities adjacent to the wind farm.
For further information on the Community Benefit Fund (including fund guidelines) and how to apply for funding, please visit: https://www.communitybenefitfunds.ie/sliabhbawn
Should you have any queries please contact SECAD on 021 461 3432 / info@secad.ie. Closing date for receipt of entries to the 2025 Fund is the 30th January 2026.