Senior citizens groups, local GAA clubs and a parish hall all benefit from solar farm funding
EDF power solutions Ireland has announced the award of over €40,000 in Community Benefit Funds from its multi-annual funding programme to support local community groups in Wexford and Kilkenny.
The 2026 recipients of funding from three solar farms in the area include senior citizen groups, local GAA clubs and a parish hall, underlining the Funds’ commitment to supporting positive local initiatives.
With a combined capacity of 17MW, Coolroe, Blusheens and Curraghmartin Solar Farms were among Ireland’s first operational solar farms when they were energised in 2023.
Community Benefit Funds, independently administered by community facilitator SECAD Partnership CLG, were established for each of the three solar farms to provide funding to local community groups for 15 years, and will generate c.€750,000 over the lifetime of the funds.
Community groups were invited to apply for funding in March of this year, and the applications were reviewed by a panel of local community representatives who decided how this year’s funds would be allocated.
Over €20,000 has been awarded to two GAA clubs by the Blusheens Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund. St Fintan’s GAA Club in Ballyminaun Little, Killinick, will receive €11,620 to sand and re-seed its pitch, ensuring a high-quality playing surface for its 300 plus members. Additionally, St Mary’s Rosslare GAA Club has been awarded €10,000 to refurbish seating in the main stand of their pitch at Ballycowan near Tagoat. This redevelopment will transform old, unsafe seating into a comfortable and safe space for supporters, particularly benefiting older spectators who require seating during games.
A grant of €12,000 has been awarded to Ballycullane Senior Citizens by the Coolroe Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund, which will go towards establishing a Senior Citizens Social and Wellbeing Hub. The Hub will offer users the opportunity to avail of a variety of social, educational, digital, and physical activities, with the aim of reducing social isolation and helping older members of the community to stay active, access local services and connect with their friends and neighbours.
In Kilkenny, Carrigeen Text Alert have received €3,000 to support alert systems and signage to enhance security within the area. The Carrigeen Text Alert initiative aims to reduce the fear of crime, particularly among vulnerable members of the community, and foster close collaboration with An Garda Síochána.
Furthermore, Mooncoin Parish Hall, on behalf of Meals on Wheels and Mooncoin Day Care Centre, has been awarded €7,000 for the installation of a library and a new dishwasher, to provide a cozy reading area for community members.
Paul Gallagher, Head of Onshore Technologies at EDF power solutions Ireland, said: “It’s wonderful to see the positive impact our community benefit funds are continuing to have in supporting a diverse range of grassroot organisations in Wexford and Kilkenny. They really are going from strength to strength.
“As a renewable energy developer, projects like these three solar farms have a big role to play in strengthening Ireland’s energy security, and reducing electricity costs and carbon emissions. The sector is going from strength to strength, and we saw that in July when solar power provided nearly 10% of Ireland’s total electricity supply, a new monthly record. But the community benefit funds associated with these projects also reflect our commitment to ensuring that local communities benefit from hosting renewable energy projects in their area.
“This year’s awards showcase the variety of fantastic voluntary groups in Wexford and Kilkenny, supporting people of all ages. We wish them well with their initiatives and can’t wait to see the difference this funding makes.”
Cllr Pat Dunphy of Carrigeen Text Alert said: “Our group now has approximately 500 members, and plays an important role in keeping people informed and promoting safety and community awareness in the local area.
“This funding will make a real difference by allowing us to maintain and improve the service provided to our members, ensuring that important information can continue to be shared quickly and effectively.”
Clodagh Barry, Treasurer at Ballycullane Senior Citizens, said: “The funding will make a huge difference as, at the moment, there is very little available in the community for senior citizens. We hope all the senior citizens of the community will be able to use the Hub to make new friends, learn new skills and also have a chance to interact regularly with various guest speakers such as gardaí, nurses and doctors.”
Sharon Petit, Club Secretary at St Fintan’s GAA Club, said: “We’re thrilled to have received this funding for the topdressing of our main playing pitch. This project will increase pitch availability – particularly during the Winter months for our adult and underage teams – maximise facility use and reduce player injuries by providing a more level playing surface. It will also no doubt boost community pride as the project will provide a pristine pitch serving as a vibrant hub for social gatherings throughout the championship playing season.”
Laura Cody, Administrator at Mooncoin Parish Hall, said: “The funding will support the creation of a welcoming library space within our Parish Hall, providing a comfortable place where people can sit, enjoy a cuppa, read or swap books, and meet other members of the community.
“The space will also provide a convenient and welcoming area for parents and carers to relax while children take part in activities at the hall. We hope the project will create a safe, inclusive environment that encourages people of all ages to connect, chat and enjoy the many books that have kindly been donated to the Parish Hall.”
Paul Murphy, Secretary of St Mary’s Rosslare GAA Club, said: “The new stand will incorporate 130 seats arranged in our club colours and will provide a fully covered seating area for our supporters to come and enjoy our games.
“This will be a fantastic improvement to our facility and will make a huge difference to our patrons especially elderly members of our club who want to come see their kids and grandkids but would struggle to stand for long periods of time.”
Ends
Full list of awards:
| Fund | Organisation Name | Amount Awarded |
| Blusheens Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund | St Fintan’s GAA Club | €11,620 |
| Blusheens Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund | St Mary’s Rosslare GAA Club | €10,000 |
| Coolroe Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund | Ballycullane Senior Citizens | €12,000 |
| Curraghmartin Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund | Carrigeen Text Alert | €3,000 |
| Curraghmartin Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund | Mooncoin Parish Hall | €7,000 |
