The EirGrid Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund is now open for applications, for Phase 1. The closing date for applications is Friday 15th September 2023.
Applications can be made online at https://submit.link/1Mn or scan the QR code to access the Application Form.
An Information evening will be held on Thursday, 6th July at 6.30 pm via Zoom Webinar and you can register for this event by clicking this link.
One-to-One Clinics
20 minute time slots to speak to a SECAD team member about your project and application are available to book on:
- 12th July
- 19th July
- 23rd August
- 30th August
To book ,please email info@secad.ie and include ‘Eirgrid Fund Clinic One-to-One Booking’ in the subject line. Then in the email include:
- your name
- group name
- phone number
- preferred email address
- chosen date and time
- preference for a phone call, on line meeting or in person at SECAD
A confirmation email will be sent to you, if you don’t receive a confirmation email, please contact SECAD.
Release of Funding
The €2.4 million fund will be released on a phased basis as the project progresses:
- Phase 1 releases 40% of the total fund at the start of the construction phase.
- Phase 2 releases 30% of the total fund mid project; and
- Phase 3 releases 30% of the total fund when the project goes live (when the line becomes a part of the electricity grid and electricity runs through it).
As part of phase 1, a fund value of €960,000 is now available to community and voluntary organisations for projects that are located within 2 km of the Celtic Interconnector cable line.
The following principles are at the centre of the Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund strategy.
The fund:
- must support projects that are community-led.
- will leave a positive legacy within communities that host the Celtic Interconnector infrastructure.
- will support projects which align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The fund is divided into 3 funding streams: Community, Sustainability and Biodiversity and an equal balance of funding is available across each stream.
Please ensure that you take the time to read the essential information relating to the fund including information on EirGrid, the area of benefit, the Fund Guidelines, SECAD and the application process. This information is available on the EirGrid website at www.eirgrid.ie/CelticInterconnectorFund .
Getting started early on your project ideas will greatly assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome.
It is essential to note that applications from groups or organisations that do not submit the required documentation with the application form, such as planning permission, planning exemption or owner permission, may not proceed to evaluation.
If you register as a new user and do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes of signing up, please check your spam or junk mail folders, just in case the confirmation email was delivered there instead of your inbox. If so, select the confirmation message and click Not Spam, which will allow future messages to get through.
If you have any questions, or would like help with your application, please do not hesitate to contact SECAD
T: 021 461 3432
E: info@secad.ie
