Bullstown Solar Farm: Community Benefit Fund open until 31st August 2026
ESB is pleased to announce the opening of a new Community Benefit Fund on Monday the 10th of August 2026 for communities near to Bullstown Solar Farm in Co. Meath.
Bullstown Solar Farm is located approximately 3km south of Ashbourne, Co. Meath. The project is an 8.4MW solar energy development, connected to the electricity network at 38kV and occupying approximately 50 acres. As a Renewable Electricity
Support Scheme (RESS-2) project, Bullstown Solar Farm will generate clean, renewable energy while also delivering long-term benefits to the local community.
The Bullstown 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, administered by SECAD Partnership, will provide financial assistance to local communities and not-for-profit organisations within a prescribed distance of the solar farm (subject to the project meeting the overall terms and conditions of the Fund) over the next 15 years as part of a broader package of local development supports being delivered in the area.
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 2km 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 closing date for applications will be 5pm on 31st August 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.
Please contact SECAD Partnership with any questions you may have by emailing info@secad.ie with the subject line “Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund”.
Further information about the Community Benefit Fund and fund documents will be made available on the application portal » Bullstown Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund.
