Midlands Students Awarded Over €80,000 In Wind Farm Grant

Friday, 16 February 2024 11:43

The Scholarship scheme is directly funded by the renewable energy generated at the Cloncreen Wind Farm.

Students in the Midlands have been awarded over €80,000 by Bord na Móna.

The investment is through the Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme.

€2,500 can be received by students living in the vicinity of Cloncreen Wind Farm each year of study, up to a maximum of four years.

Thirteen local students have been awarded scholarships so far to support their education.

Applications for the Scholarship scheme were evaluated against predefined criteria, giving special consideration to courses related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and those contributing to sustainability, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applications were welcomed from all third level courses and further education, from Level 6 and upwards as per the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

The scholarship recipients including Ciara Hanley, Diarmaid O'Neill, Eoghan Ryan, Holly Meehan, Jane Foran, Jessica Corcoran, Katie Dunne, Katie Lawlor, Mark Whelehan, Rebecca O’Neill, Saoirse Dunne, Shay Evans, and Tom Mangan, were announced at a recent awards ceremony in Tullamore. These students are studying a wide range of courses from Science, Engineering, and Nursing to Education and Law.

Welcoming the news, Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, says:

“The work Bord na Móna is doing in the renewable energy sector is truly impressive. It has been a leader in our ongoing transition to a green economy. As Minister in charge of Skills I want to see industry, state agencies and educational providers invest massively in the skills of the future. Our Climate Action Plan highlights the need for people to be provided with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net-zero economy. Looking at the range of courses undertaken by these 13 students underpins the importance of that plan. It is reassuring to know that the future of our nation is in the hands of such talented and ambitious young people. I would like to wish them every success in their future education.”

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, John Reilly, Head of Renewable Energy, Bord na Móna says:

“We are delighted to support 13 students through our Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme, as they embark on the next phase of their academic journeys. As Bord na Móna continues to expand its renewable energy activity across the country to support Ireland’s net zero ambitions by 2050, the role of our Community Benefit Fund ensures we maximise the benefits for the neighbouring communities throughout the process.”