Community Benefits

Community Benefits

Mountlucas Community Gains Scheme 2025

Community Gains Scheme 2025 is now closed and we are reviewing applications. Thank everyone for making a submission.

The Scheme is for local community-based project groups and voluntary organisations located within, or working with, communities in the vicinity of the development. The 2025 fund value for the Mountlucas Wind Farm Community Gains Scheme is €101,824.59.
Note: Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Each funding application will be evaluated on a case by case basis in accordance with the Scheme Criteria outlined in the Scheme Terms and Conditions. As per the Scheme Terms and Conditions, only one application per group, per year may be submitted.
Please note the Scheme does not normally support statutory or other accountable bodies (including schools) unless they can provide evidence that the project is community-led, open, accessible and for the benefit of the community and not a statutory responsibility. If a school wishes to apply to the Fund, they must demonstrate that their project would not normally be funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

Applicants requiring help or support with their application can contact the project team via Mountlucaswindfarm@bnm.ie with their enquiries, or alternatively call our Community Liaison Specialists, Niall Donlon on 087 9951174 or Padraig Carty on 0870643734 , for assistance.

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Near Neighbour Scheme

Electricity Contribution

In December 2017, Bord na Móna expanded its Community Benefit Package by introducing a Near Neighbour Scheme for Mountlucas Wind Farm.

The Near Neighbour Scheme offers electricity bill payers living within a prescribed distance of a wind turbine an annual discount on their electricity bills*.

Bord na Móna introduced the Scheme based on various research carried out and through engaging with local communities, which indicated that the provision of direct benefit to residents who lived in close proximity to a wind farm should be considered.

The Scheme is part of the company’s extensive community benefits package (which already includes an Annual Community Gain Scheme and Recreational Facilities).

Energy Efficiency Contribution / Education Support

The second aspect of the Near Neighbour Scheme is the provision of funding for individual residential properties within a prescribed distance of a wind turbine, to carry out energy efficiency measures on their property or use towards education support or towards the purchase of an EV vehicle*

In advance of commencement of works all homeowners must complete a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment on their property to enable them to identify energy efficiency improvement works that could potentially be carried out on their property. Mountlucas Wind Farm has appointed Evolved Energy to carry out the BER Assessments for the residents.

To date, the company has completed a significant number of BER Assessments for residents adjoining the wind farm. Following the completion of the Assessment, applicants to the Scheme have progressed to the next stage of the Scheme. They have applied and received approval from Mountlucas Wind Farm to carry out varying measures of Energy Efficiency works on their homes or receive education support.

Examples of Energy Efficiency measures currently being carried out on homes include:

  • Attic Insulation
  • Cavity Wall Insulation
  • External Wall Insulation
  • Installation of Solar PV System
  • Upgrade of Windows and Doors
  • Installation of Solar Thermal System
  • Upgrade of Heating Systems and Controls.

While the education support measure has provided assistance to a number of residents covering a variety of course from a level 6 Certificate to a Master Degree.

*subject to terms and conditions

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