Eirgrid urges communities to tap into big Laois-Kilkenny Community Benefit Fund

The operator of Ireland’s electricity grid is inviting community groups and not-for-profit organisations in Laois and Kilkenny to apply for the latest phase of its community benefit fund initiative.

Eirgrid says the fund, which comes in conjunction with the wider upgrade and reinforcement of the local electricity grid, totals €511,500 across three installments. 

The company says 40% of the total was awarded during Phase 1, with a further 30% €153,450 now being opened up to applications.

EirGrid says the fund aims to support local communities throughout the lifetime of its projects, specifically those situated along the line between Coolnabacky in Laois and Ballyragget in Kilkenny.

The State-owned company claims the scheme provides grants to entities that strive to positively impact their locality.

In a similar way to Phase 1, it says that any project that can showcase these potential benefits is eligible for funding in this second phase, with priority given to those within three kilometres of the development.

“We recognise the crucial role which local communities play in facilitating and supporting this kind of vital grid infrastructure”, said Sinead Dooley, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement. 

“That is why we are committed to ensuring that the benefits are widespread and long-lasting. 

“In addition to supporting social and economic growth via improved infrastructure, EirGrid’s stated aim is to leave a positive legacy through community engagements such as these. This was demonstrated by the variety of groups across Laois and Kilkenny which benefited from Phase 1 of our fund.

“As we open up this second phase today, we’re excited to welcome a whole new set of community groups to shape their locality with imaginative and collaborative proposals,” she said.

The company said that to ensure that these grants are distributed in a "transparent, participatory and inclusive manner", independent facilitator M-CO will again be responsible for administering the fund. Eirgrid 

M-CO have worked with community forum members to develop criteria which Eirgrid claim best meets the needs of local residents. 

Additional supports for applicants will also be available going forward, and will come in the form of information evenings, one-to-one project development meetings, and grant application workshops.

Updates on these will be available at eirgrid.ie/Laois-Kilkenny, along with further information about the project at large.

For queries relating to the fund, potential applicants are encouraged to contact MCO at communitybenefitfund@mco.ie, or by phone on 01 887 0630.