Residents near wind farms 'should have energy subsidised'

The community benefit fund that sees renewable energy and infrastructure development companies contributing to the costs of local causes is inadequate, according to members of Mayo County Council.

Councillors made their views known at a recent meeting of the local authority's strategic policy committee (SPC) for the environment and climate change, noting that residents living close to large renewable energy projects should have their energy bills subsidised.

Cllr Peter Flynn raised the matter following a presentation from a delegation of representatives from ESB Networks and EirGrid. 

“The community gain measure is fine, but it is a minor piece of the discussion in terms of total electricity output. If you look at Scandinavia, people get subsidised gas and electricity rates where renewable energy is put in. I wonder could this be an incentive for us also, so that such developments are not always seen as a threat? 

"As it stands, the gain is arbitrary and it is also political in terms of those who gain from it. I honestly think that where there are large wind turbines or projects like Corrib Gas, a change to a practice of subsidising would be a significant gamechanger in getting people to support renewable energy.” 

Cllr Harry Barrett described the community gain as “a pittance”, saying: “Having a windfarm next door means nothing, there is not a cent taken off your charges. I compliment Cllr Flynn for his idea to subsidise.” 

Michael Kelly of EirGrid said that the thinking behind the community benefit fund is to give a bit back to local communities and it is “a percentage allowance to be spent on community funds as construction is developed and completed".

He added that a benefit fund of over €1.5m was launched in 2026 for community projects within two kilometres of the EirGrid cable routes in Mayo, with 34 projects across community, sustainability and biodiversity initiatives awarded over €500,000 to date, with two more award phases to follow.

In regard to the suggestion for subsidisation, he said that issue did not fall within EirGrid’s remit but suggested: “How about you put it in an email to us and we will pass it on.” 

The council's Director of Services Joanne Grehan told the deputation that the local authority does appreciate the fund, and that the communities are very grateful, adding: "But we would like more."

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.