Sundew Solar DAC is delighted to announce that the Timahoe North Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund (The Fund”) is now open for applications.

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 10km of Timahoe North 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, however Sundew Solar DAC 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, it is envisaged that Year 1 of the Fund will provide over €100,000 to community groups in the vicinity of the solar farm.

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 10km 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 Friday 20^th of February 2026.

Getting started on your project ideas early 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/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 Friday 20^th of February 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
• To view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), please click here.

The Timahoe North 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 info@secad.ie  with the subject line “Timahoe North Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund”,  or alternatively call James (Community Liaison Officer) on 087 7087022.