As part of the Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, we want to ensure that people living in the vicinity of the Wind Farm benefit the most from the development. The cost of educational studies and student life can be a barrier for potential students.
To help reduce this barrier Cloncreen Wind Farm DAC has created an Educational Scholarship Scheme to support local students in accessing further education. The Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme will be funded directly from the renewable energy generated at Cloncreen Wind Farm through its Community Benefit Fund.
This is the second year of the Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Fund. Over €80,000 was awarded to 13 local students in 2023.
The 2024 Scholarship includes a monetary grant to the value of €2,500 for each year of study, up to a maximum of 4 years, for four students living in the vicinity (up to 10km) of Cloncreen Wind Farm. The Scholarship may be used towards course fees, accommodation, tools, transport costs etc. Applicants who have already completed their first year of study are welcome to apply.
Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme 2024 is now closed for applications. Thank you to everyone who submitted an application to the Scheme.
Should you have any queries on the Educational Scholarship Scheme, please get in touch with the Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme project team by email via cloncreenwindfarm@bnm.ie. Alternatively, please contact our Community Liaison Officer Enda on 087 0579141.
Community Benefit Fund
The Cloncreen Wind Farm 2024 Community Benefit Fund is now closed. Thank you for your participation. Details of successful applications will be announced shortly.
This is the second year of the Fund. In 2023, Bord na Móna’s Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund awarded €150,000, to be shared across 23 local projects.
The Fund is administered by M-CO, an independent strategic design and project management company who specialise in the areas of climate action and community development.
The 2023 funding has benefited schools, sports clubs, general amenity, social initiatives, as well as community facilities. Please see below a list of recipients and projects supported from
previous funding rounds:
Near Neighbour Scheme
Electricity Contribution
As part of the Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, Bord na Móna has also launched a Near Neighbour Scheme.
The Near Neighbour Scheme offers electricity bill payers living within a prescribed distance of a wind turbine an annual discount on their electricity bills*.
Cloncreen Wind Farm introduced the Scheme based on various research carried out and through engaging with local communities, which indicated that the provision of direct benefit to residents who lived in close proximity to a wind farm should be considered.
The Scheme is part of the company’s extensive community benefits package.
Energy Efficiency Contribution / Education Support
The second aspect of the Near Neighbour Scheme is the provision of funding for individual residential properties within a prescribed distance of a wind turbine, to carry out energy efficiency measures on their property or use towards education support or towards the purchase of an EV vehicle*
In advance of commencement of works all homeowners must complete a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment on their property to enable them to identify energy efficiency improvement works that could potentially be carried out on their property. Cloncreen Wind Farm has appointed Evolved Energy to carry out the BER Assessments for the residents.
Currently, the company is progressing a significant number of BER Assessments for residents adjoining the wind farm. Following the completion of the Assessment, applicants to the Scheme will progress to the next stage of the Scheme.
Examples of Energy Efficiency measures which can be carried out on homes include:
- Attic Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- External Wall Insulation
- Installation of Solar PV System
- Upgrade of Windows and Doors
- Installation of Solar Thermal System
- Upgrade of Heating Systems and Controls.
The education support measure could provide assistance to residents covering a variety of courses, from a level 6 Certificate to a Master Degree.
*subject to terms and conditions
This Fund has been established to support the local community with approximately €5 million of funding committed over the 15-year lifetime of the Fund.
Clonbullogue Launches Community Action Plan
Congratulations to Clonbullogue Development Planning Group who officially launched their Community Action Plan in March 2022.
The Community Action Plan was supported by Cloncreen Wind Farm and developed in conjunction with Offaly Local Development Company.
It is envisaged that this plan will aid the Community in identifying potential community projects to bring forward for funding as part of Cloncreen Wind Farm's Community Benefit Fund once the wind farm enters commercial operation.
We look forward to supporting the community and the various projects identified in the Community Plan over the coming years.
Well done to everyone involved!
Click here to view the report
Amenity Facilities
At Cloncreen Wind Farm we have over 20km of public amenity facilities that are used for cycling, walking, jogging and running in addition to an outdoor gym located on the wind farm. The walkway-cycleway is accessible all year round (except December 21st) during daylight hours – free of charge.
There is also a Sensory Garden and outdoor trim trail (gym) located on the wind farm. It is an ideal location for walking and cycling enthusiasts alike.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bord na Móna’s Cloncreen Wind Farm soon.