New scholarships awarded under Mayo wind farm's scheme
BnM and ESB have announced the recipients of the Oweninny Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme.
Some €37,500 has been awarded to an additional six new scholars, bringing the total number of recipients of the scheme to 10 local students.
Since it was launched in 2024, €55,000 has been awarded through the Oweninny Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Fund. This scholarship initiative is a cornerstone of the wind farm’s community engagement strategy, providing financial support to local students pursuing further education.
The scholarship includes a monetary grant for each student to the value of €2,500 for each year of study, up to a maximum of four years. Students must live in the vicinity of Oweninny Wind Farm to be eligible to apply.
Applications for the scholarship scheme were evaluated against predefined criteria, giving special consideration to courses related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and those contributing to sustainability, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applications were welcomed from all third-level courses and further education, from Level 6 and upwards as per the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
The new recipients of the Oweninny Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Fund in 2025 are:
Seamus McDermott
Shane Mullarkey
James Mullarkey
Zara Moyles
Patrick O’Malley
Eoghan Spencer
Speaking at the announcement of the scholarship awards, John Reilly, Head of Renewable Energy at BnM, said: “We would like to congratulate the latest recipients of the Oweninny Wind Farm Educational Scholarships. This is an essential part of our broader investment into the communities where we operate. We are extremely proud of all of the students we have supported through the programme to date.
“This investment highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting local students, community groups, and near neighbours, with a focus on education and sustainability.”
John Gartland, Manager of Wind Operations at ESB, said: “ESB is delighted to announce the recipients of the Oweninny Wind Farm Educational Scholarship Scheme. This initiative reflects our, and our partner BnM’s, commitment to empowering communities and creating meaningful opportunities for local students.
“By supporting students in STEM and related fields, we are investing in the skills and knowledge that will drive Ireland’s clean energy transition and strengthen communities for generations to come.”
Students living in the vicinity of Oweninny Wind Farm who wish to find out more about the scholarship programme can do so by visiting oweninnywindfarm.ie.