Three Longford groups to receive support with energy bills

Three Longford groups are to receive support with energy bills under the second tranche of the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).

Longford Women's Link, Granard Motte Community Enterprise CLG and Colmcille Community Centre CLG are set to receive €3,922, €2,201 and €901, respectively.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, announced the second tranche of successful applicants under the €10 million CVESS last Friday.

Under the initiative, some 238 organisations from across the community and voluntary sector will receive a one-off contribution towards their increased energy bills. Payments will begin to issue to organisations immediately.

It was also confirmed that applications will be accepted until February 24, 2023, with other groups around the country 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 very 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 Joe O’Brien advised organisations to apply for support, “All the information is on the Pobal website now and applications will remain open until February 24. 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.”

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 – and to stay warm and well this winter.  For more information visit www.gov.ie/reduceyouruse