Community projects located within 12km of Slieve Rushen Wind Farm in South West Fermanagh are invited to apply for a grant from the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund.

The community fund was launched by Mantlin Ltd., owners of the wind farm in conjunction with the Fermanagh Trust, who administer the grant aid, and it is hoped that this funding will continue throughout the lifetime of the wind farm’s operation.

In previous years, the fund awarded grants to organisations carrying out a range of initiatives in the South West Fermanagh and Cavan area, including community playgroups, sports clubs, schools, community associations, art, music and drama groups.

Previous funding awarded was used for coaching and tuition sessions; the development of community centres including disability access; storage and external lighting; outdoor classrooms; equipment costs; arts and crafts programmes; bicycle shelters; the development of pitches and running tracks; and publication costs and solar panel installation.

The closing date for applications for this year’s grant funding round is Friday, June 9.

Applications are invited to obtain a one-off grant aid up to a maximum of £2,000 to support community initiatives taking place up to March 31, 2024; or capital projects up to a maximum of up to £8,000 per annum in any financial year, over a three-year period, which will have a lasting legacy on the lives of people living in the area.

To be considered for this funding, the project must have the necessary statutory permissions in place and be able to utilise any grant awarded.

For further information, or to download an application form, see website www.fermanaghtrust.org.