Funding boost for local Men’s Sheds

MEN’S sheds in Dublin Rathdown have been encouraged to apply for a new round of funding by local TD and Minister, Josepha Madigan. 

A total of €500,000 has been allocated by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, to support the work of Men’s Sheds groups throughout Ireland. 

Minister Madigan said: “This capital funding will enable individual Men’s Sheds to purchase equipment or to carry out minor works to improve their premises through the provision of small grants. 

“Last year, various local Men’s Sheds received collectively received funding of up to €5,000 for various equipment and maintenance works, including Ballinteer, Sandyford and Nutgrove and Loretto Men’s Shed. 

“Men’s Sheds have become central to some 400 communities throughout Ireland,” Minister Madigan added. “They provide an invaluable service by helping to tackle social isolation which in turn strengthens local communities. 

“This year’s round of funding is a recognition of the contribution these groups are making to local community life in South Dublin. 

“The fact that all men in the locality have a place to go to share their experience and make friends is hugely important as we need to continue to help each other out with the issues that we may be facing. 

“Companionship and a sense of place is vital to our mental wellbeing, and the Sheds provide a space where healthy connections are made and nurtured. 

“I want all of the local Men’s Sheds groups affiliated to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association to avail of this funding. 

“A number of Women’s Shed groups have also emerged in our communities in recent times.

“In order to support this positive development the Minister has decided to make this funding available to these groups and I urge them to apply.”

In what is the second year of funding for the organisation, Minister Ring said he was very keen to stress the importance of the Men’s Sheds as they grow in popularity across the country.

I have decided to build on last years funding by allocating a further €500,000 in recognition of the contribution these groups are making to life in Ireland,” Minister Ring said.

One of the Men’s Sheds around Ireland that benefitted from last year’s funding include Blackrock Community Men's Shed, which received funding to build a meeting room.

Minister Ring added: “I have had the privilege of seeing the great work that local Men’s Sheds do in supporting important local initiatives.

Barry Sheridan, CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, welcomed the news.

“We are delighted with the announcement of capital funding for Men’s Sheds throughout the country,” he said.

“It further reinforces the impact that sheds are having within communities.

“In less than 10 years Men’s Sheds have played in supporting the development of stronger, more resilient communities throughout Ireland. 

“This capital fund will allow sheds throughout the country to upgrade their facilities and equipment.”

He added:  “We want to thank Minister Michael Ring, and the Department for Rural and Community Development, for their continued support that will go some way to ensuring Men’s Sheds have a vibrant sustainable future in Ireland.

“I also welcome the fact that there are now some Women’s Sheds starting out across the country.

“As the Men’s Sheds Association would be delighted to talk to them in relation to any advice or support we can offer.”