€10,000 awarded to two Kilkenny community groups
Two community groups in rural Kilkenny, in Mooncoin and in Carrigeen, are set to see local improvements thanks to €10,000 in funding from a power company.
EDF power solutions Ireland has announced the award of over €10,000 in Community Benefit Funds from its multi-annual funding programme to support local community groups in Kilkenny.
The 2026 recipients of funding from three solar farms in the area include senior citizen groups, a local parish hall and local GAA clubs, underlining the Funds’ commitment to supporting positive local initiatives.
In Kilkenny, 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 comfortable reading area for community members, by the Curraghmartin Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund.
In addition, Carrigeen Text Alert have received €3,000 to support alert systems and signage to enhance security within the area from the same fund. 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.
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.
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 Kilkenny and Wexford. 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 Kilkenny and Wexford, supporting people of all ages. We wish them well with their initiatives and can’t wait to see the difference this funding makes.”
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.”
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.”