Announcement of Latest Round of Energy Support Funding for Community Groups

Green TD Steven Matthews has welcomed the announcement of the second round of energy support payments to voluntary and community groups by the Green Party’s Minister Joe O’Brien . This scheme has been created to help community and voluntary groups with increasing costs of energy and provides once-off support payments to organisations within the Community and Voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes already being delivered by Government. He has also called on groups who have not yet applied for funding, to do so before applications close on the 24th of February 2023.

Speaking after the announcement of the funding Deputy Matthews said:

“This newest round of funding announced by my Green Party colleague Minister Joe O’ Brien will provide much needed support to the voluntary groups who play such a vital role in our community. I am particularly pleased to see that 6 Wicklow based volunteer groups have been included in this round of funding. The importance of these groups has been even more apparent over the last few years as the importance of community spirit has been more important than ever.

The 6 Successful Wicklow Groups Were:

• Bray Womens Refuge Housing Association

• Lacken Community Development Association

• Imaal Hall Company

• Annamoe Community Development

• Hollywood Community Development Association

• The Glencree Society

“We in Government are acutely aware of the burden that groups are facing by rising energy bills and other running costs. This latest round of funding, and the many other schemes which have been created, shows our unwavering commitment to support people through what is a hugely challenging period of rising costs.

“I would like to invite any community or voluntary group in Wicklow who has not already applied for this scheme, to do so as soon as possible, before the next round of funding is finalised. If any groups are uncertain as to their eligibility, or require any assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me directly.”