Neoen Community Benefit Fund Grants Announced

Total funding of over €80,000 announced for 23 projects in counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow

Pictured: The Zero Waste Community Garden in Rathcoffey, Co. Kildare, which has been awarded a grant to repair their solar panel system, install picnic benches, and build wheelchair-accessible raised beds.

The solar energy company Neoen has announced the awarding of grants, ranging from €1,000 to €5,000, to more than 20 community organisations in Leinster which operate in the vicinity of Neoen’s solar farms. Supported in this process by Community Foundation Ireland and a Fund Committee, Neoen has awarded grants to a wide range of projects including restoration work to a heritage building, creative supports for neurodiverse children, a variety of initiatives for older people, environmental enhancement projects, and mental health supports for young people.

Neoen and Community Foundation Ireland were supported in selecting the grantees by Community Advisors from each of the three areas: Brian Carthy, CEO of Wicklow Partnership; Colin Ludlow, CEO of Meath Partnership; and Karl Duffy, CEO of Kildare Partnership – and wish to thank the three advisors for their time and insights.

Congratulating the successful applicants, Cliona Gormley from Neoen said:

Neoen is proud to support such positive initiatives. Congratulations to all the successful applicants – your dedication and vision are helping to shape a greener, stronger future for your communities.

One of the 11 projects funded in Kildare (the largest solar farm) is the Johnstownbridge Mens Shed, which provides a safe and welcoming environment where skills can be taught at whatever pace each member chooses. Some of the older members are interested in learning IT skills so they can use email, create documents, use social media and navigate the internet. The main focus of the Shed is around woodworking, and members are also looking to learn how to download and print plans. It is hoped that some will learn to use CAD (computer-aided design), which is a software tool for woodworkers to envision and design their own pieces. The grant in this case will allow the Shed to buy laptops.

In Wicklow, the Neoen Fund is supporting six organisations, including an intergenerational music project led by the Barn Ensemble which will unite older adults (55+) and young people (12–18) through workshops and performances, thereby bridging generational divides and reducing social isolation. By connecting the Barn Ensemble (55+ musicians) and the Rithim Orchestra (youth musicians) through collaborative music-making, the project will tackle isolation among older adults while fostering intergenerational understanding and respect.

Commenting on the Neoen Community Benefit Fund, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said:

Communities are leading the way in building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The Neoen Community Benefit Fund is a perfect example of how philanthropy, business and local action can come together to deliver real and lasting impact.

Finally, one of the six projects funded in Meath was Ashbourne Tidy Towns. Their project will build on a 2024 survey and action plan for the Broadmeadow River, which has deteriorated on a number of levels due to decades of extensive farming and the significant growth of nearby towns. The Tidy Towns committee will plant native tree species at designated locations along the Broadmeadow as a cost-effective way to prevent fertiliser pollution from seeping into the river, minimise soil erosion and provide shading to help restore a healthy ecosystem. As well as nine native tree species, the grant will also be used to buy tools for the newly-formed Junior Tidy Towns group in Ashbourne Community School.

The full 23 organisations awarded funding are as follows:

Millvale Solar Farm, Co. Wicklow

Wicklow Democratic School

The Barn Ensemble

4th Port of Wicklow Sea Scouts

Nun’s Cross National School

Killiskey Church of Ireland Parish

Féach

 

Hortland Solar Farm, Co. Kildare

BREDA (Balyna Rural Enterprise Development Association)

Tír Mona A.C.

Johnstownbridge Men’s Shed

Cappagh GAA Club

Newtown Community Group

Newtown Lawn Residents Association

Zero Waste Community Garden, Rathcoffey

VOICE Ireland and 3 local schools

St. Coca’s Church

Derry Game and Conservation Club

Kinia / Scoil San Treasa, Enfield

 

Hilltown Solar Farm, Co. Meath

The Feel Good Project

St Vincents GFC

Ashbourne Tidy Towns

Duleek Revival Programme

St. Patrick’s N.S.

Duleek, Bellewstown & District Community Facility

 

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