Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
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Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien have today (Friday, 21 April) 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:
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:
“I am delighted today to announce the fourth tranche of successful applicants under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme.
“The funding today 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 today 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 the Reduce Your Use webpage.
The Government of Ireland have made an allocation of up to €10 million available to support organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other schemes such as, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners and sectoral schemes for arts, culture, sports, health and Gaeltacht organisations.
Pobal have been engaged to administer this scheme on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
This Fund is intended to provide once-off financial support towards the increase in energy costs in 2022 for organisations within the community and voluntary sector (as defined under eligible organisations).
A dedicated appeals process is available to unsuccessful applicants and can be accessed through Pobal. Phase Two applications closed on 24 March 2023. All remaining applications are currently being assessed in batches, with further announcements of successful applicants to follow.
Pobal is an organisation that works on behalf of the Government of Ireland and in collaboration with international partners, to support communities and local agencies towards achieving social inclusion and development.
Pobal operates under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Pobal is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. Members of the Board are appointed by Government, on the nomination of the Minister for Rural and Community Development, in line with the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards. The company operates on the basis of a framework agreement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and programme-specific service level agreements with individual departments.
Pobal administers programmes on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the Department of Health (DoH) /HSE and a number of EU bodies.
Pobal works in the areas of social inclusion, early childhood care and education, local and community development, peace and reconciliation, equality, labour market supports, youth services and education and training.