A new €10 million Fund to support community and voluntary groups with the increased energy costs will open for applications on Monday, 21 November.

The scheme is designed to help the community and voluntary groups with the increased cost of energy bills. Once-off support to organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector, which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes, will be provided towards the increased energy costs in 2022. Applications will close on Friday, 20th January, with payments under the scheme expected before the year-end.

Announcing the funding package today, Minister Humphreys said, "This new scheme recognises the pressures that our community and voluntary groups are under due to rising energy costs. This is a sector that we care deeply about and are committed to support them through this difficult winter. Through this €10 million fund, financial support will be provided to these groups from the end of 2022''.

Mary Laffan, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Development welcomed the announcement, adding that, "Local community groups play a critical role in supporting strong and resilient communities. It is heartening that the Government has heard the energy cost concerns of local groups and have created this support scheme. Ballyhoura Development encourage all eligible groups to apply for this support and are available to help groups with the process''.

On foot of the unveiling of the funding, Minister O’Brien stated that, ''I have engaged with the C&V sector, my government colleagues and my officials on this issue over recent months. We’ve worked to make sure the application and payment process are straightforward, but I really encourage intending applicants to check the scheme details on Pobal’s website over the coming days and familiarise themselves with the application process and documentation required, so that they are ready to apply when the application window opens''.

Full scheme details are now available on the Pobal website:

Community and Voluntary Sector Energy Support Scheme