Minister Humphreys and Minister O’Brien published the first tranche of applicants that will benefit from funding today. I’m delighted to see 11 Community and Voluntary groups across Laois and Offaly in the first round of recipients of the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).
The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) was launched last month in response to the rising energy costs. Under the new scheme, small grants are being provided to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations to help towards rising energy costs.
Our Community and voluntary organisations play such an important role in our communities, providing invaluable services and supports to individuals and to communities. This fund recognises that work and, while the grants are small in nature, they provide some assistance to these groups in delivering key services.
This is only the first tranche of successful recipients, and I want to remind community and voluntary groups that this scheme remains open for applications until January 20th, 2023 with further tranches of funding set to be announced in the coming weeks. Additionally, the application process to make it easier for such organisations to apply and should any community group require assistance, please contact my office on pippa.hackett@oir.ie.