Airtricity offer €22,000 in community funding initiative

Anglo Celt - Thursday, January 26, 2006

AIRTRICITY which is a world leading renewable energy company is offering applications for the first round of funding from the Airtricity Community Funding Initiative in the area surrounding its, Gortnaneane, Mountain Lodge, Cootehill wind farm.

The company is making available €22,000 this year to local groups.

The Community Fund, which is calculated as a percentage of the output from the wind farm on an annual basis, is open to all community projects based in the vicinity of the Gortnaneane wind farm.

Projects based on all aspects of community life will be considered including economic, social, cultural and educational; however, preference will be given to those that have an environmental theme. Prefer- ence will also be given to projects linked to sustainable local activities.

Host communities

Airtricity spokesperson Majella Walsh said: "At Airtricity we are proud of the relationship we have with our host communities. We rely on the co-operation and support of local people in order to deliver the quality Airtricity service that businesses across Ireland are buying into in increasing numbers".

Continuing, she said in recognition of the positive role the local community here has played and would continue to play, the Community Funding initiative demonstrated Aritricity's commitment to the area and would of course benefit local community groups.

All applications were welcome she added but stressed that Airtricity was particularly keen to hear from groups and proj- ects, which help sustain the local environment. Applications forms and further details can be obtained from Olivia Doyle, Airtricity, Airtricity House, Ravenscourt Office Park, Sandyford, Dublin 18 or by telephone on 01 - 4813534.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 28th February 2006. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, 24th March 2006.