Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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211. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will include churches in any scheme to assist with lighting and heating costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56779/22]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and the charities sector in meeting the high cost of energy currently and is committed to supporting the sector in meeting these costs.

Not-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. I am pleased to advise that applications for the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) will open on 21st November.

The scheme will be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and 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. Further scheme details are now available on the Pobal website. I would encourage intending applicants to check the scheme details over the coming days and to familiarise themselves with the process so that they are ready when the scheme opens for applications.

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.