EirGrid calls on applications for North Connacht 110kV Project community benefit fund
Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid.
EirGrid, operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, is calling on those eligible for the North Connacht 110kV project community benefit fund to submit their applications before the upcoming closing date.
Applications for the first phase of the €1.53 million fund are being welcomed, with €612,000 in funding available to eligible communities and volunteer groups in this round.
The fund has been established by EirGrid to recognise the importance of the local communities hosting this critical infrastructure project to strengthen the electricity grid in the region.
The project will add a new 110kV underground line to the electricity grid in Co Mayo and Co Roscommon, increasing grid capacity in the area and accommodating more renewable energy. Construction of the project, which will power 150,000 homes, is due to start in the coming months.
The community benefit fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, voluntary organisations, and community groups who can demonstrate how communities benefit from the services, facilities or programmes they provide in the project area, and will be divided equally between the three streams of funding: community, sustainability and biodiversity.
The €1.53 million fund is released in three phases: when construction begins, mid-way through project construction, and when the project is complete.⯠The deadline for this round of applications is 5pm on Friday, March 13th.
To ensure that these grants are distributed in a transparent, participatory and inclusive manner, independent facilitator SECAD is responsible for administering the fund.
EirGrid and SECAD recently held information events in the project area to engage with those interested in applying for the fund.
Speaking about the fund, Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, said: “In addition to delivering this critical infrastructure to the region, we are committed to leaving a lasting positive impact in local communities through this fund and we’re calling on eligible groups to apply before the deadline.
“We are grateful for all the support that we have received to date, and we were delighted to speak about with communities and volunteer groups recently about how they can apply for this funding.
“We look forward to seeing what can be achieved through this first phase of funding.”
Dooley added: “Engaging with the public is essential for our work. Our independently recognised best-practice Public Engagement Strategy ensures that when we are delivering these critical projects, we engage with local communities and stakeholders to develop relationships on-the-ground, so we can hear everyone's voice.”
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