Around 750 people braved the rain to walk through SSE Airtricity’s Meentycat and Culliagh Wind Farms near Ballybofey, Co. Donegal yesterday for the company’s 10th annual Community Fund Sponsored Walk.
The walkers, representing 44 local community groups and bodies, completed a 15km route across a stunning rolling landscape between the two wind farms. Every year, participants raise vital funding for community groups in areas including Ballybofey, Cloghan, Convoy, Curragh, Drumkeen, Letterkenny, Stranorlar and Finn Valley.
Pupils and teachers from Gairm Scoil Chú Uladh, Béal an Atha Móir, Cloghan
Through SSE Airtricity’s Community Fund programme, the money raised by the participating groups is topped-up by annual payments from the company. SSE Airtricity’s Community Fund Sponsored Walk is celebrating a landmark 10th anniversary this year, with community groups receiving around €600,000 in funding to date.
Despite the disappointing weather, participants enjoyed views of some of Donegal’s most scenic landmarks, including Mount Errigal and Barnesmore Gap, as well as the outskirts of Letterkenny town. The walkers also had the opportunity to get up close with a number of the 63 wind turbines at the two wind farms.
82 years old Tony Gallinagh, Ballybofey
SSE Airtricity’s Meentycat Wind Farm is the largest wind farm in Ireland.
Meentycat and the adjoining Culliagh Wind Farm near Lifford generate over 100MW of renewable energy combined.
Anne Reynolds, SSE Airtricity Community Development Officer, said:
“We were delighted to have such a strong turnout for the 10th year of the walk, particularly considering the weather! It’s always an enjoyable day for all involved and the money raised gives a great boost to so many local groups. At SSE Airtricity, we’re proud to make a positive difference to the communities closest to our wind farms.”
“Through our Community Fund programme and related events like this, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development of local groups and projects.”
All photography by Clive Wasson.
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