A total of 134 community and voluntary groups across Ireland have secured funding of almost €189,000 to help tackle energy bills.

Under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), small grants are provided to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations.

The new cohort of successful groups follows on from the success of the scheme since its launch last year.

The funding announced today brings the total number of organisations supported under the initiative to 552, with over €705,000 now disbursed.

Announcing the funding during a visit to Enterprise Castlerea in Roscommon, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: "Although the winter months are behind us, energy bills remain high and this is posing particular challenges for our community and voluntary sector.

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"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.

"Today's investment means that over 550 groups have now been helped under this scheme, which remains open for applications until March 24th.

"I am also pleased to extend the Scheme to Section 39 organisations.

"Our communities depend on these organisations, and it is only right that we do what we can to support them."

Minister of State, Joe O'Brien TD added: "I hope the funding announced today, together with the expansion of the scheme will go some way to addressing the current pressures brought by increased energy costs and enable the organisations to get on with providing vital services and supports.

"The inclusion of section 39 organisations will ensure that these organisations are treated on an equal basis as all other organisations in the sector.

"Further tranches of funding will follow shortly. We are also keeping the application process open until March 24th to give all eligible groups in the voluntary and community sector the opportunity to apply for support."

The Ministers also confirmed that the scheme will remain open until 24 March and will be expanded to include organisations in receipt of Section 39 funding from the HSE.