SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables, co-owners of Galway Wind Park, have partnered up with National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), and FORUM Connemara CLG to launch the first ever Galway Wind Park scholarship programme. The new bursary, which is funded by SSE Renewables and the Galway Wind Park Community Fund has a total annual value of €100,000.
The Scholarship is designed to provide funding for students in the Galway area who will be undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate course, and drive awareness around the area of sustainability. The application process will open on 23rd August and will close on 4th October 2019. The successful candidates will receive up to 50% funding support towards the cost of their Third Level student fees.
The Galway Wind Park Community Fund has an annual total of approximately €450,000 and includes a Local Fund for community groups such as schools and sports clubs, and a Major Projects Fund for larger-scale community projects. The new scholarship programme accounts for 12.5% of the overall Community Fund.
Mia Fahey McCarthy- Head of Sustainability for SSE Ireland, said: “SSE Ireland is very proud to launch the Galway Wind Park Scholarship, which is set to support hundreds of local students in the years ahead. From the outset at Galway Wind Park, we have aimed to make a positive and lasting impact for the local community, environmentally, socially and economically. We are looking forward to receiving applications when the fund opens in late August. This Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for young people in the area and will have a very positive impact on enhancing sustainability into the future.”
Paul O’Donnell – Investment Manager for Greencoat Renewables, said: “Greencoat Renewables is delighted to support the Galway Wind Park Scholarship that will provide third-level education opportunities for local students. The Scholarship is one of a number of initiatives Galway Wind Park is undertaking that will contribute €450,000 to the local community in 2019. At Greencoat, we are committed to being a good neighbour and supporting the local communities in which we operate.”
To apply for the Galway Wind Park Scholarship please visit ireland.sse.com/galwaywindpark. Applicants must live within 20km of the Galway Wind Park and hold an unconditional offer of a place for entry into the academic year 2019/20 at GMIT, NUI Galway or another institution on the island of Ireland.