Community Benefits
Ballyvatta Community Benefit Fund
The Ballyvatta Solar Farm has a dedicated Community Benefit Fund (CBF), made available through the Government-led Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).
The Ballyvatta renewable energy proposal which includes the solar farm and substation could bring with it funding in the region of an estimated €130,000 a year for 15 years, or over €1.9 million over a 15-year period. Below are some examples of what has been considered in other areas where we have worked and might give a good indication of what can be achieved and advanced locally.
Direct benefit schemes, such as near neighbour payments i.e. direct payments to local households
- Energy efficiency schemes for households which support payments towards retrofitting, domestic solar panels etc.
- Funding for local heritage initiatives
- Support for local education schemes
- Local biodiversity initiatives