- Applications are open from 13th January until 20th February 2026
- Year 1 of the fund is expected to provide over €100,000 to community groups in the vicinity of the solar farm
- Timahoe North solar farm is part of a co-development agreement between ESB and BnM to develop a significant solar portfolio across counties in the Midlands
Monday, 19th January 2026: Sundew Solar DAC is pleased to announce the opening of Year 1 of the Timahoe North Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund (CBF). Community, non-profit and voluntary groups, or organisations with a charitable status that operate or service communities within 10km of Timahoe North Solar Farm, are eligible and encouraged to apply for funding.
The Timahoe North Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund is part of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-2), a key policy initiative to deliver on the Government’s Climate Action Plan, and it is structured in line with the requirements of the Rulebook for Community Benefit Funds under RESS.
The fund aims to support local projects that make a positive contribution to communities adjacent to Timahoe North Solar Farm in the areas of biodiversity, environmental sustainability, recreation, social solidarity, culture and heritage, tourism and education. The fund will close for applications at 5pm on Friday, 20th February 2026.
Sundew Solar DAC is a joint venture between BnM and ESB – the Timahoe North Solar Farm CBF is administered by SECAD Partnership. Sundew Solar DAC will make an annual contribution of €2/MWh into the CBF for the duration of the 15-year contract with one cycle of funding delivered each year. The CBF value will vary each year as it will be calculated based on the annual output of the solar farm. It is envisaged that Year 1 of the Fund will provide over €100,000 to community groups in the vicinity of the solar farm.
Marking the announcement on behalf of Sundew Solar DAC, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at BnM, Alison Tilley, outlined: “We are delighted to launch the Year 1 of the Community Benefit Fund for the local community adjacent to the solar farm. Community investment is a central pillar of BnM’s 5GW renewable energy pipeline, which is directly supporting Ireland’s National Development Plan. The fund will support community organisations and locally led projects, enabling them to continue providing valuable services to people in the area. This year the Fund is envisioned to be valued at over €100,000 and is open for applications until the 20th February 2026, but we strongly urge community groups to apply ahead of the deadline where possible. We look forward to continuing to support local organisations and initiatives adjacent to the solar farm.”
Nuala Moloney, ESB Community Relations Manager, commented: “ESB is committed to all the communities where we operate generation assets and have a longstanding history of working closely with communities in the Midlands. We are delighted to continue doing this alongside our partners BnM through Timahoe North Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund, and in launching this fund, ESB has an opportunity to give back to the very communities that have supported us through this project. As solar becomes an increasingly important part of Ireland’s energy mix, the success of projects like Timahoe North is vital for providing the renewable energy required to power our homes, farms and businesses. We would like to thank the communities surrounding the site for their ongoing support, and we look forward to working with them right into the future by supporting local projects that make a positive contribution to their community.”
Eilish Walsh, Community Benefit Fund Officer on behalf of SECAD Partnership CLG, stated: “SECAD Partnership as fund administrator, are looking forward to supporting the communities near Timahoe North Solar Farm, for any assistance they may need with their projects and applications. We look forward to seeing the benefit of the Timahoe North Solar Community Benefit Fund to the local communities, ensuring the funding has a positive and lasting impact.”
In advance of the fund opening, the Timahoe North Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund Team held a public community information evening in the locality. This event was an opportunity for local community groups and prospective applicants to learn more about the fund, how to apply, and to ask questions to the appointed fund administrators, SECAD Partnership CLG.
For further information on the Community Benefit Fund including fund guidelines and how to apply for funding, please visit: www.timahoenorthsolarfarm.ie/community-benefits/
For any queries please contact SECAD on 021 461 3432 / info@secad.ie.
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