A further 13 community and voluntary groups in Galway have been awarded just over €12,000 in grant funding to support them with their energy bills.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has today announced the third tranche of grants under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).
This scheme provides financial support to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations that are struggling with rising energy costs.
Today, a further 134 groups are to receive grants as part of an overall investment of almost €189,000, with payments to issue immediately.
In Galway funding has been awarded to:
- Galway Rape Crisis Centre – €2,731
- Athchúrsáil Árann Cuideachta Ghníomhaíochta Ainmnithe – €1,426
- Ballinasloe Town Band – €406
- Castleblakeney Community Development – €200
- Carnmore Community Centre – €200
- Galway Mountain Rescue Association – €240
- Ballygar Tidy Towns – €245
- Gort Town Hall Management – €340
- Burren Lowlands – €549
- Claddaghduff Hall – €724
- Area Renewal Company Clifden – €1,521
- Oughterard Leisure Centre – €3,357
- Aughrim Development Company – €200
“Although the winter months are behind us, energy bills remain high and this is posing particular challenges for our community and voluntary sector,” Heather Humphreys said.
“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.”
To date, 550 groups have been awarded funding under this scheme, which remains open to applications until March 24.
The Minister also announced today that the scheme has been extended to include organisations in receipt of Section 39 funding from the HSE.
The Ministers also confirmed that the scheme is now open to incorporated community and voluntary organisations or charities who have been refused support under the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), on the grounds that they are engaged in passive trade.
“Our communities depend on these organisations, and it is only right that we do what we can to support them,” Minister Humphreys said.
