Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
56. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to increase grants and funding to community centres and halls to help them transition to more sustainable energy methods and help pay for increased energy costs. [62331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and I was delighted to secure €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 to continue the Community Centres Investment Fund. This builds on the €15 million which was announced under the fund in 2022.
Funding was available for capital works such as, energy retrofitting, new windows, doors and heating systems. It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted for new build community centres as well as upgrades and improvements to existing centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and I hope to announce further details in quarter 1 of 2023.
I also launched the Community Support Fund with funding of €10 million on 18th November this year. This is a new fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme, designed to assist community groups with rising energy costs.
The fund will deliver grants to help groups with running costs such as electricity bills and insurance costs. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade or refurbishment works and for the purchase of equipment which supports their activities such as laptops and printers, training equipment, tables, chairs etc. Groups should contact their local LCDC for details on the application process.
Separately, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, will provide once-off energy supports to organisations within the community and voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government.
CVESS will support incorporated C&V sector organisations (i.e. those incorporated as CLGs or Co-Operatives) and/or registered charities. While applications for Phase 1 closed on 2nd December, I can confirm that my department has streamlined the process for a further round of the scheme, which is now open. Eligible organisations who missed the deadline for Phase One may also apply under Phase Two, with applications remaining open until 20th January 2023.
Further details on all funding streams can be found on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcd.
