Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
423. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department continues to monitor urban and rural community activity, with a view to addressing issues arising from Covid-19 or Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62990/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a whole of Government approach has been adopted in addressing the impacts of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Detailed work has taken place across Departments and in State agencies in relation to monitoring and responding to both issues.
Within my own Department, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme provided support to the Community and Voluntary sector during the pandemic. The Town and Village accelerated measure also allowed for communities to implement innovative measures to address the issues of the pandemic. These were part of a range of measures to support both urban and rural communities.
Most recently, to address the cost of living challenges, my Department is administering the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) which provides for a once-off payment to eligible charities and community and voluntary sector organisations towards their energy costs for 2022. Funding is also being provided for through the Community Support Fund to help manage the burden of increased energy and running costs incurred by local community groups.
My Department will continue to engage with all stakeholders in both urban and rural Ireland to ensure that the most relevant and effective measures are in place to offer support.
