- Tranche 4 of funding announced providing a further €213,000 to 128 community and voluntary organisations
- Funding recipients include organisations providing vital supports to communities
- Further tranches of funding to follow
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today (Friday, 21st April 2023) announced a further tranche of successful applicants to the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).
Under this latest tranche worth €213,264, an additional 128 organisations from across the community and voluntary sector will receive a one-off contribution towards the increased energy costs they faced in 2022. Payments will issue to the organisations immediately.
The funding announced today brings the total number of organisations supported under the initiative to 680, with over €918,000 now disbursed.
Among the successful applicants announced today are:
- Wicklow – Tiglin Challenge: €28,278
- Dublin – Foróige, the National Youth Development Organisation: €20,094
- Leitrim – Bee Park Resource Centre: €6,931
- Galway – Leukaemia Trust/Cancer Care West CLG: €6,898
While the scheme has now closed, Minister Humphreys explained that a large number of applications have been received and are currently being reviewed, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks. The review of applications includes verification of eligibility for other government energy support schemes.
Minister Humphreys said he was delighted
“to announce the fourth tranche of successful applicants under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme.
“The funding provides further support to this vital sector, with some 128 organisations to benefit.
“Our community and voluntary groups continue to feel the pressure as a result of increased energy costs.
“Hundreds of organisations have now been supported by this scheme and we look forward to announcing further funding in the weeks to come.”
Minister Joe O’Brien added:
“This scheme was about tailored assistance to as many different community and voluntary organisations as possible, from small local halls to large, national organisations so I am delighted to be announcing funding that will assist these organisations in making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Concluding, Minister Humphreys reassured organisations of her Department’s commitment to supporting communities:
“A dedicated helpdesk remains available at energyscheme@pobal.ie. I encourage community and voluntary organisations that may have missed the deadline on CVESS to link in with their Local Authority and Local Development Committee to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
“My Department consistently works in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, providing regular supports and one-off calls to respond to needs and challenges, I look forward to continuing this commitment”
This initiative forms part of a range of measures introduced in Budget 2023 to meet higher energy costs for households, businesses and community organisations and it complements the Department’s supports to the community and voluntary sector, promoting sustainable, inclusive and empowered communities across Ireland.
Also the government is urging householders and businesses to ensure that they are availing of the supports that are in place. For more information on the supports available visit www.gov.ie/reduceyouruse