EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid has awarded community groups and not-for-profit organisations near the Celtic Interconnector project a total of €821,265.50.
The funding, associated with the sub-sea cable project which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and France, will see 53 local community groups and projects benefit.
This is the second of three phases of funding available to communities in the project area, with the total fund amounting to €2.4million.
This latest phase of funding covers three activity streams, with €240,000 allocated through the community stream, €236,437.50 via the sustainability stream and €344,828 for projects covering biodiversity initiatives, with the biodiversity figure including an additional amount of funding due to an underspend in biodiversity projects in the first phase.
Speaking about the fund, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley said:
“This fund was established to support east Cork communities to develop projects and initiatives that will leave a lasting positive legacy long after the Celtic Interconnector project is delivered. This latest phase will continue to support the huge efforts of community groups in developing positive spaces for all ages, supporting healthy initiatives and provide an important boost to energy and biodiversity projects.
We are once again proud to support these efforts and look forward to seeing what can beachieved through this fund.”
The Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund was established by EirGrid to recognise the important part local communities play in the development of the electricity grid, the impact works can have on communities, and to ensure funds benefit groups and projects in these areas.
For a list of the successful groups and projects, visit www.eirgrid.ie/celticinterconnector#CBF
Additionally, EirGrid are delighted to advise that the outcome from Phase 2 of the EirGrid Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit Fund was announced Wednesday 03 September 2025, and all applicants have been contacted this morning by SECAD, our fund administrator.
Phase 2 of the fund was extremely well received with a very high number of applicants. A total of 53 applicants have been successful in receiving funding to support a wide range of projects. Successful projects are located throughout the project area, featuring a broad range of activities from biodiversity to arts, to youth services and older age organisations. As with the first phase, this second phase of funding covers our three activity streams, with €240,000 allocated through the community stream, €236,437.50 via the sustainability stream and €344,828 through the biodiversity funding stream. Combining Phase 1 and Phase 2 funds, this brings the total funds contribution to the east Cork, project area community initiatives to over €1.6 million, and most importantly to 82 the number of projects supported through the EirGrid Celtic Interconnector Community Benefit fund to date.
Fund administrator partners, SECAD, are available to all applicants for any follow up questions they may have. They can be contacted on 021 461 3432.
EirGrid looks forward to continuing to work with you, your local municipal district councillors, SECAD, their forum members and the wider communities and not-for-profit organisations in East Cork as these projects come to fruition and we move towards the successful delivery of the Celtic Interconnector. The Celtic Interconnector is a strategic project of national importance and deepening the benefits of this work in our communities is of primary importance to us all.
To review the list of successful applicants for Phase 2 please see here .