Over €5k in energy bill funding for Louth community groups

Four Louth groups have been awarded funding to assist in paying their energy bills under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).

The scheme provides small grants to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations.
Louth groups are in line to receive €5,439 broken down as follows:

• Dundalk Media Centre Company Limited By Guarantee - €437 
• 5th Louth Buíon Setanta Scout Group - €824
• Omeath District Development Company Limited By Guarantee- €1,027
• Haggardstown & Blackrock Community Centre CLG- €3,151

Hundreds of groups have already benefited under the scheme, which was launched last year in response to the rising cost of energy and the impact it is having on the sector.

Nationally, a further 134 groups are to receive grants as part of an overall investment of almost €189,000.

Payments will issue to the organisations immediately.

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The funding announced today brings the total number of organisations supported under the initiative to 552, with over €705,000 now disbursed.
Announcing the funding during a visit to Enterprise Castlerea in Roscommon, Minister Heather Humphreys said:

“Although the winter months are behind us, energy bills remain high and this is posing particular challenges for our community and voluntary sector.

“The grants being announced today may be small in nature, but they will give a bit of breathing space for groups that deliver essential services, supports and facilities to communities all over Ireland.

“Today’s investment means that over 550 groups have now been helped under this scheme, which remains open for applications until March 24th.

“I am also pleased to extend the Scheme to Section 39 organisations. Our communities depend on these organisations, and it is only right that we do what we can to support them.”

Minister Joe O'Brien added:

“I hope the funding announced today, together with the expansion of the scheme will go some way to addressing the current pressures brought by increased energy costs and enable the organisations to get on with providing vital services and supports.

“The inclusion of section 39 organisations will ensure that these organisations are treated on an equal basis as all other organisations in the sector. Further tranches of funding will follow shortly.

“We are also keeping the application process open until March 24th to give all eligible groups in the voluntary and community sector the opportunity to apply for support.”