EirGrid is calling on those eligible for the North Connacht 110kV project community benefit fund to submit their applications before the upcoming closing date.
Applications for the first phase of the €1.53 million fund are being welcomed, with €612,000 in funding available to eligible communities and volunteer groups in this round.
The fund has been established to recognise the importance of the local communities hosting this critical infrastructure project .
It  will add a new 110kV underground line to the electricity grid in Co Mayo and Co Roscommon, increasing grid capacity in the area and accommodating more renewable energy. Construction of the project, which will power 150,000 homes, is due to start in the coming months.
The community benefit fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, voluntary organisations, and community groups who can demonstrate how communities benefit from the services, facilities or programmes they provide in the project area, and will be divided equally between the three streams of funding: community, sustainability and biodiversity.
The €1.53 million fund is released in three phases: when construction begins, mid-way through project construction, and when the project is complete.
The deadline for this round of applications is 5pm on Friday, March 13th.
For more information, visit www.eirgrid.ie/northconnacht#communitybenefitfund.
