Eight local community groups receive funds to help pay energy bills
The second tranche of community and voluntary groups to receive support with energy bills has been announced.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien, TD, made the announcement on Friday.
The funding is part of the €10 million Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).
Under the initiative, some 238 organisations from across the community and voluntary sector will receive a one-off contribution towards their increased energy bills for 2022.
Payments will begin to issue to organisations immediately.
The successful applicants from Westmeath are:
1428 Active Retirement Club, €812;
Dr Stevens Resource Centre, €309;
Rathowen Community Development, €380;
Westmeath Support Service against Domestic Abuse, €200;
Ballinahowen Community Development, €229;
Mullingar Charity Variety Group, €629;
ATK Community Centre, €1,845;
Athlone Community Radio, €614.
In Longford, the successful applicants are: Longford Women’s Link, €3,922; Granard Motte Community Enterprise, €2,201; Colmcille Community Centre, €901.
The two ministers confirmed that applications will be accepted until February 24, and other groups around the country are encouraged to apply.
Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce the second tranche of successful applicants under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme, awarding supports of over €264,000 to 238 organisations all over the country.
“I hope this funding will go some way to alleviating the burden faced by these organisations as they go about their work delivering essential services, supports and facilities to communities all over Ireland.
“We as a government are conscious of the impact that rising energy costs continue to have on groups on the frontline.
“Further tranches will follow shortly. We are also keeping the application process open until February 24 to give groups in the voluntary and community sector the opportunity to get their applications in.”
Minister O’Brien advised organisations to apply for support: “All the information is on the Pobal website now and applications will remain open until 24 February. I really want to assist as many organisations as we can so I urge any eligible organisations to apply as soon as possible so that we can get that support out to you quickly.”
The 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 – and to stay warm and well this winter.
For more information visit www.gov.ie/reduceyouruse.