Wind farm distributes '˜wind fall' for local community groups

Gruig Wind Farm, located near Corkey, has just provided an annual financial contribution towards three local community groups.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Aug 2016, 07:00 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:25 BST
Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Jean McGarry representing the Loughgeil Development Association. 23465KDRVictoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Jean McGarry representing the Loughgeil Development Association. 23465KDR
Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Jean McGarry representing the Loughgeil Development Association. 23465KDR

The wind farm managed by local renewable energy company, RES, on behalf of wind farm owners Glennmont Partners, supports three local groups: Cloughmills Community Action Team, St Anne’s Support Group (Corkey) and the Loughgiel Community Association.

Since commencing operations in 2010, the wind farm has provided over £74,000 to the local community.

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The fund has provided a number of activities and services within the local area, including contributing towards the Old Mill community allotment project in Cloughmills.

Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Mr Henry Duffin school principal and children at St Anne's Primary School, Corkey. 23464KDRVictoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Mr Henry Duffin school principal and children at St Anne's Primary School, Corkey. 23464KDR
Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Mr Henry Duffin school principal and children at St Anne's Primary School, Corkey. 23464KDR

The facility provides a safe and friendly environment for members of the local community to come together and enjoy a passion for garden and all things horticultural.

From growing and preparing plants for hanging baskets, to raising hens, the allotments have grown from strength to strength in recent years.

St Anne’s Support Group uses their proportion of the Fund to provide additional support to St Anne’s Primary School, Corkey.

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The Fund has provided additional teaching resources and assisted in extracurricular activities throughout the year, such as school trips.

Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to representatives of the Cloughmills Community Action team including Sandra McIlvenna, Jim Whitten, Wilbert Smith and Michael Scally.Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to representatives of the Cloughmills Community Action team including Sandra McIlvenna, Jim Whitten, Wilbert Smith and Michael Scally.
Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to representatives of the Cloughmills Community Action team including Sandra McIlvenna, Jim Whitten, Wilbert Smith and Michael Scally.

Loughgiel Development Association continues to use their Gruig Wind Farm financial contribution towards ongoing running costs within the Millennium Centre and maintaining the valuable services which it has been providing the community in recent times, such as the playgroup service that enables parents to return to work.

Angela O’Hagan, Centre Manager, The Millennium Centre stated, “The funding that we receive from Gruig Wind Farm is a great lifeline to us.

“It allows us to maintain the services for the community that we have established over the years.

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“As there are no restrictions on how it can be used, we are also able to use some of the money to cover insurance and running costs that we just wouldn’t be able to get funding for anywhere else.”

Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Mr Henry Duffin school principal and children at St Anne's Primary School, Corkey. 23464KDRVictoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Mr Henry Duffin school principal and children at St Anne's Primary School, Corkey. 23464KDR
Victoria Graham and Dave from RES present a cheque to Mr Henry Duffin school principal and children at St Anne's Primary School, Corkey. 23464KDR

Gruig Wind Farm, Community Relations Manager, Victoria Graham continued: “It is great to see and hear first-hand the difference that the Community Benefit Fund is making to local groups.

“We have close links with the local villages and hope to continue building on relationships over the coming years through RES’ continued management and operations of Gruig Wind Farm.”

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