12/08/2026
Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund is now OPEN for applications
The ESB is delighted to announce that the Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund (The Fund”) will open for applications on Monday the 10th of August.
The Fund, administered by SECAD Partnership, will provide grants to local community groups, not-for-profit organisations or social enterprises that operate or service communities within 2 km of Bullstown Solar Farm, or which are the primary provider of services or activities within this area, for projects that will create positive social and environmental impacts.
The 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.
This is Year 1 of the Fund; the ESB will make an annual contribution of €2/MWh (per Loss-Adjusted Metered Generation) into the Community Benefit Fund for the duration of the RESS-2 Contract (15 years).
The fund value will vary each year depending on the amount of green electricity produced at the Solar Farm in the preceding year, this year’s approximate fund value is envisioned to be €20,000.
Funding will be available in the first instance for community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups, clubs and societies, or organisations with a charitable status which aim to deliver community improvements and services within 2 km of the solar farm.
A key criterion is that the projects and initiatives will benefit the communities surrounding the solar farm.
As part of this strand of funding, a minimum of 40% of the overall Fund shall be paid to not-for-profit community enterprises whose primary focus or aim is the promotion of initiatives towards the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, Goals 4, 7, 11 and 13, including education, energy efficiency, sustainable energy and climate action initiatives.
The Fund will close for applications at 5pm on Monday the 31st of August 2026.
Getting started on your project ideas early will assist with your application, as a well-developed project is key to a successful outcome.
It is essential to note that applications from groups/organisations that do not submit the required documentation with the application form, such as planning permission, planning exemption or owner permission, will not proceed to evaluation stage.
How to Apply:
Before you begin your application, please ensure you have read the Fund Guidelines for Applicants & Frequently Asked Questions thoroughly.
You will be asked to set up an account on the online platform and verify your email address.
Once you begin, you may save your application and return to it at a later time, however the application portal will close on Monday the 31st of August 2026 at 5pm and you will no longer be able to access the application.
Once your application is submitted it cannot be amended.
All applications must be submitted through the online application platform
Each application will be evaluated in accordance with the eligibility criteria outlined in the Fund Guidelines.
To view the Fund Guidelines, please click here
The Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund will be funded directly from the renewable energy generated at Solar Farm.
To apply click here.
Applicants requiring help or support with their application can contact the appointed Fund administrators, SECAD Partnership, by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund”.
If there’s anything further don’t hesitate to get in touch.
All the best,
Eilish
Eilish Walsh
Community Benefit Funds Officer
Where relevant, please include contract reference numbers in the subject line of correspondence.
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SECAD Partnership CLG
Midleton Community Enterprise Centre
Owennacurra Business Park
Knockgriffin
Midleton
Co. Cork
IRELAND
P25 Y893
SECAD is a company limited by guarantee registered in Ireland
Company Registration Number – 233937
CHY No. 11699
CRA No. 20032685
Tel: 021- 461 34 32 / 087 315 1848
