Thirteen students living near wind farm in Offaly have been awarded scholarships towards their further education 

Bord na Móna has announced a significant investment of over €80,000 to support students in the Midlands through the Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme. Following considerable interest in the scheme, 13 local students have been awarded scholarships, to support their educational pursuits.  

As part of the educational scholarship scheme, which was launched in August 2023, students living in the vicinity of Cloncreen Wind Farm can receive €2,500 for each year of study, up to a maximum of four years. The Scholarship can be used to cover various education-related expenses, including course fees, accommodation, and transportation costs.  

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 scheme is directly funded by the renewable energy generated at the wind farm. This scheme forms part of the wider Cloncreen Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund package which provides annual grant funding for a variety of initiatives and schemes in local communities.  

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, said: “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 said, “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.”  

Bord na Móna is also delighted to announce that the 2024 Cloncreen Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme will be opening in the coming months. Further information will be made available in local media and on www.cloncreenwindfarm.ie.