A County Tyrone Community Group that provides a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages is to benefit from a £5,000 cash donation through the Ørsted Owenreagh Wind Farms’ Community Benefit Fund.
Leckpatrick Community Association’s successful application means members can plan future activities knowing its Artigarvan New Hall premises will be warm – and inviting – for those individuals who are regular visitors to it.
Established in the summer of 2012, it supports people living in the Artigarvan and surrounding areas by engaging with a wide range of community and sports groups as well as statutory organisations to run social, recreational, and educational activities. Open daily, Leckpatrick Community Association holds everything from baby classes and birthday parties to information events and training courses.
The charity decided to turn to Ørsted for assistance in the face of rising energy costs, with heating identified as one of the single biggest outlays it needs to budget for during the current calendar year.
Welcoming the funding, John McCarter, Chairperson of Leckpatrick Community Association said:
“The money we have received through the Ørsted Owenreagh Wind Farms’ Community Benefit Fund is extremely welcome. It will make such a difference and provide much-needed certainty for us.
“Spiralling energy costs are being felt by everyone right now and from the Association’s perspective that makes it hard to maintain the high level of activities we run in the hall. However, even with winter around the corner, we can say with great confidence our doors will be open to those who need us.
“Activities depend on the hall being heated and the more people who make use of our facilities the more this will ease the financial burden on households as they won’t have to heat their own homes.”
As long-term owners, developers, and operators of renewable energy projects, Ørsted is committed to becoming active partners in the communities in which they develop projects. As the new owner of the existing Owenreagh Wind Farms, Ørsted’s been working hard to develop strong local relationships.
Aidan Stakelum, Community Engagement Lead from Ørsted Ireland and UK added:
“Ørsted is committed to developing and maintaining relationships with local communities in which we have a presence. It is vital for rural communities that facilities and youth services are on offer for the whole community and this is where our benefit fund can play a vital role.
“Since 2012, Leckpatrick Community Association has shown itself to be a tremendous asset to those living in the Artigarvan area and we are pleased this funding will allow for important activities to continue over the course of the winter months,” he added.
The Owenreagh Wind Farms’ Community Benefit Fund has been actively supporting local community initiatives for the last seven years. More information on how to apply can be found at www.orsted.ie.
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