Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced funding to support community and voluntary groups with their energy bills.
The Community and Voluntary Support Scheme was launched last month in response to the rising cost of energy and the impact it is having on the sector. Under the initiative, small grants are being provided to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations.
Today, the first tranche of applicants to benefit from funding are being announced. Projects in Cavan and Monaghan set to receive funding include Clones Development Society Limited: €1,661; St Michael's Regional Community Development Company: €1,484; Doohamlet Community Centre: €655; Crocus Cancer Support Centre: €465; Belturbet Community Development Association: €2090; and Templeport Resource Centre: €711
The scheme remains open for applications until January 20th, 2022 with further tranches of funding set to be announced in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Minister Humphreys said that the voluntary and community sector continues to play a crucial role in towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
She highlighted how this new scheme is about easing the pressures that groups are facing with their energy costs. The Minister added that while the grants may be small in nature, they are important and will help to pay an electricity bill or keeping a premises warm during this particularly cold period.
"With Christmas less than a fortnight away, our voluntary and community sector continues to play a crucial role in towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. This new scheme is about easing the pressures that our voluntary and community groups face in terms of their energy costs.
"This week, some 180 organisations across the country will receive financial support, with further tranches of funding to be made in the coming weeks. The grants may be small in nature, but they will important all the same in helping to pay an electricity bill or keeping a premises warm during this particularly cold period.
"As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our volunteers," added Minister Humphreys.
