Advisory Group Set Up to Help Deliver GBP 19 Mln Gwynt y Môr Community Fund

RWE Innogy UK, the developer of Gwynt y Mor Offshore Wind Farm, has established a 14-member advisory group, which is taking forward the views of local people expressed during one of the biggest consultation exercises ever carried out by the renewables sector at the time.

The group has taken its first steps towards delivering £19 million of community funding provided by the offshore wind farm, into the North Wales economy.

In 2011/12, RWE Innogy UK funded a consultation exercise that engaged with more than 1,000 people and organisations, to understand the potential priorities of the fund, and how it should be structured and operated. The results demonstrated support for projects that will help young people, improve skills, create jobs and regenerate the local area.

The substantial Community Fund of £768,000 per year, index linked to inflation, will become available once Gwynt y Mor Offshore Wind Farm is completely operational, with the first full payment expected in 2015.

RWE Innogy UK Investment Officer, Katy Woodington, said: “This is the first time we have assembled an advisory group in this way and we think it is an innovative approach to ensuring that the Gwynt y Mor funding is used in the best possible way for the benefit of communities in the vicinity of the wind farm.

“Fourteen representatives from local authorities, colleges, businesses, social enterprise, voluntary sector and Welsh Government are providing local and specialist guidance, advising on the strategic priorities of the region and how this money can be used to deliver the greatest impact in line with the consultation results.

“Working together we will be able to deliver funding to meet the goals of the region and the priority areas identified during the consultation. The aim is to compliment and not duplicate existing provision.

“The consultation results indicated a preference for the coastal areas of Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire to benefit from the funding. Part of the Advisory Group’s remit will be to provide additional advice in shaping the final geographical area that is eligible.

“£19m is a sizable amount of money, and provides an exciting opportunity to make a significant, long term and positive impact on the sustainable development of North Wales.”

Advisory group member, Wendy Jones, Chief Officer for Community and Voluntary Support Conwy is delighted to be able to represent local people. She said: “While others in the group represent the interest of the public and private sectors, I very much see my role as representing grass-roots organisations.

“The availability of the Gwynt y Mor funding is a fantastic opportunity for the region’s voluntary and community sector especially at a time of increased demand for their services and severe monetary cut backs.

“The advisory group meetings are already exploring new and interesting potential ways of using the money in the best way.”

In addition, and separate to the community funding, a £690,000 Tourism Fund has been made available throughout the construction of Gwynt y Mor. So far, funding has been provided to four major tourism projects along the North Wales coast.

Press release, February 5, 2014; Image: RWE