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Community benefit fund

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The Sceirde Rocks Windfarm will bring a range of benefits to the community during its development, construction and operational phases, including economic development and job opportunities.

Highlights include:

  • A multi-million-euro Community Benefit Fund will be available over a 20- to support a range of sustainable community initiatives all along the western coastline of Connemara, the Aran Islands and surrounding areas. The Offshore Renewable Energy Scheme (ORESS) that supports offshore wind farms provides that €2 for every MWh of electricity generated will be invested into a community benefit scheme. It is estimated that the value of an ORESS community scheme for Sceirde Rocks would be worth over €3.5 million annually once the windfarm is operational if the wind farm is fully consented.

Pillar of Ireland’s clean energy future

The Community Benefit Fund, which will be managed by a committee sourced from the local community who will, in consultation with the local community, determine the aims and objectives of the fund and manage ongoing operation of the fund with the assistance of the fund administrator. 

  • The CBF will help fund community-driven initiatives in consultation with local people across the region to ensure that the Sceirde Rocks Windfarm is a force for positive change.
  • A fund administrator will be appointed to assist the committee to address governance issues and ensure that the fund is compliant with the relevant guidelines.
  • The Community Benefit Fund will play a pivotal role in supporting community grassroots activities that have an enduring economic, social and cultural benefit, including helping to preserve the Gaeltacht language, culture and traditions which make this area unique.
  • The community benefit fund will be available on a phased basis on commencement of construction and will become fully available once windfarm is operational.
  • Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta launched the Sceirde Rocks Offshore Windfarm Community benefit fund in Carna in June 2023. The €2/MWh ORESS community benefit contributions are expected to begin on a phased basis on commencement of construction of the Windfarm, with fund fully available when Windfarm becomes operationally.