Leading renewable energy owner, operator, and developer SSE Renewables, highlights some of the recent projects supported as new funding round opens
SSE Renewables is continuing its support for a wide variety of projects under the Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund. Over 70 groups have already benefitted since the introduction of the voluntary fund. A new funding round opened in April with evaluations to be undertaken on a quarterly basis during the new 2024/25 financial year.
“At SSE Renewables we are proud to walk the talk. We’ve demonstrated our commitment to supporting communities close to our Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 development site with over €500,000 already provided through our Sponsorship and Fisheries Funds.”
– Deirdre Keogh, Community Engagement Manager, SSE Renewables
The fund provides opportunities for local communities close to the Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 development site to benefit from SSE Renewables’ commitment and social value proposition to support local communities close to its Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 development site.
Commenting on the support received through the Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund:
“Arklow RNLI has benefitted under the SSE Renewables Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Fund over past years, and we value the positive relationship built up with SSE Renewables as a prospective near neighbour to our lifeboat station. Our recent application under the Sponsorship Fund has enabled three members of the Arklow crew to participate in dedicated professional development training so we can continue to ensure that our volunteer crew are ably and appropriately upskilled to continue to provide the vital lifesaving service offered by Arklow Lifeboat Station”.
– John Bermingham, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Arklow RNLI
Arklow Lawn Tennis Club also benefited under the Sponsorship Fund. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was installed at Arklow Tennis Club, Coolgreaney Road. The club selected an AED which could be used without formal advance training.
“As an expanding community club with a current membership of just over 200, we’re very grateful to SSE Renewables for its support in enabling the club to purchase an AED.”
– Kay Hickey, Arklow Tennis Club Committee
Wicklow Tennis Club successfully applied under the Fund to drive its energy efficiency and sustainability plan. Tom McConnell, Wicklow Tennis Club, said: “Our ambition is to grow as a flagship club for sustainability. The funding received from SSE Renewables gave us a head start in a phased transition towards deploying renewable energy power sources to drive energy efficiency and reduce our club’s carbon footprint”.
The Sponsorship Fund also supported initiatives in Wicklow Town where Wicklow Tennis Club used their funding to push forward with their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. In North Wexford, co-funding with Wexford County Council supported the installation of a replica winch and commemorative plaque at Ballymoney South Beach, and planting upgrades at the Ballymoney Crossroads.
Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund
Deirdre Keogh, Community Engagement Manager, SSE Renewables talks about future community projects that are being considered for support under the Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund:
“Our Sponsorship Fund has supported a wide variety of initiatives and projects under key themes such as marine/water-based activities, environmental and social sustainability initiatives, and energy efficiency projects. We’ve supported local education and training initiatives and provided community, voluntary and sporting groups with assistance to drive forward meaningful initiatives on the front line of local communities.
As summer approaches, there are several community initiatives under consideration, in addition to the upcoming prestigious SSE Renewables Round Ireland Yacht Race 2024 hosted in partnership with Wicklow Sailing Club. Through our Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 Sponsorship Fund, we endeavour to support local groups as best we can, recognising the immense contribution made by groups and individuals actively working in local communities”.
For details on the SSE Renewables Arklow Bank 2 Sponsorship Fund contact Deirdre Keogh, Community Engagement Manager by phone 087 1822587 or email deirdre.keogh@sse.com
