- Funding delivered through Community Benefit Funds, Community Gains Schemes, Educational Scholarship Schemes and Near Neighbour supports linked to BnM renewable energy projects
- Awards evening celebrated recipients from Derrinlough, Mountlucas and Cloncreen renewable energy developments
- 11 local students in Offaly supported through BnM Educational Scholarship Scheme
BnM recognised recipients of more than €700,000 in community funding and supports at its Community Benefit Fund Awards Evening in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co. Offaly.
The event brought together community organisations, scholarship recipients, fund committee members and local stakeholders to recognise the impact of BnM’s Community Benefit Funds, educational scholarships and near neighbour supports.
The funding reflects BnM’s commitment to ensuring renewable energy infrastructure delivers lasting social, economic and environmental value for local communities. Supported projects span sustainability, education, sport, recreation, social inclusion, community energy, local amenities and community services.
The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, John Leahy, highlighted the growing impact of BnM’s Community Benefit Funds across Offaly:
“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. 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:
“Community benefit is central to how BnM develops and operates renewable energy infrastructure. 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.”
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 Derrinlough Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund 2025, BnM committed €121,800 to the Fivealley Solar Meitheal Project, a partnership between Fivealley Sustainable Energy Committee, BnM and SEAI that installed more than 700 solar panels across participating households. Additional funding will support further 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.