Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
733. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason (details supplied) do not appear to qualify for support pursuant to the CVESS scheme; if their application can be reviewed with a view to providing support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60291/22]
View answerNot-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of increased energy costs.
The recent budget allocated €10m to my department to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and charities in 2022. The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development, will provide once-off support to organisations within the community and voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government. The CVESS opened on 21st November and closed to applications on Friday 2nd December.
Whilst the scheme is currently closed to applications, I am aware that a large amount of queries have been received in respect of organisations that have multiple facilities under the same beneficial ownership, as well as organisations who receive a small amount of funding under s.38 or s.39 of the Health Act, 2004. I can confirm that my department is now looking at how we can accommodate such organisations in a further round of the CVESS, to open as soon as possible. Further details will be published shortly.
While churches themselves are not eligible, parish halls and other community facilities that are open to the wider community may be eligible to apply.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the community and voluntary sector, charities, local authorities and local development companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. I would encourage all groups to engage with Gov.ie, their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
This Scheme is one of a range of supports introduced through Budget ’23 and everyone is encouraged to visit gov.ie/reduceyouruse to find out how they can make energy savings, where safe and possible to do so.
