Ministers Calleary and Buttimer announce a funding package of €1 Million to support the work of Men’s Sheds across the country
- Funding to support up to 450 Men’s Sheds with their running costs
- Grants of up to €3,000 available to Sheds
- Funding will be distributed by Irish Men’s Sheds Association
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, today (Friday 23rd May) jointly announced a funding packageto support Men’s Sheds across the country.
The funding contribution for this year, together with funding provided by the Department last year, will enable the Irish Men’s Sheds Association to distribute up to €1 million in supports to their members with grants of up to €3,000 available.
The funding is designed to assist Men’s Sheds with their running and operational costs such as heating, utility and insurance bills.
The emergence of Men’s Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland and this Government is fully committed to the continued support of Men’s Sheds in the valuable work they do.
Announcing the funding, Minister Calleary said:
“I am acutely aware of the hugely positive development the emergence of Men’s Sheds has been for communities right across Ireland.
“I met with The Irish Men’s Shed Association recently and they further outlined to me the benefits provided by Men’s Sheds.
“Sheds all over Ireland help tackle isolation and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where men of all ages can come together to socialise, share skills and work on meaningful projects.
“I’m therefore delighted to announce this additional funding that will see the sheds that are members of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association supported with grants of up to €3,000.
“This funding builds on funding of €1.8 million previously provided to support Men’s Sheds, and just shows the long-term commitment to Men’s Sheds from this government.”
Minister Calleary added:
“I would also like to acknowledge the supports, representations, and advocacy work the Irish Men’s Sheds Association do on behalf of the network of over 450 Men’s Sheds across the Republic of Ireland and their members.
“I have no doubt that this funding will provide a much needed helping hand to Men’s Sheds in terms of operational and running costs.”
Also announcing the funding today, Minister Buttimer said:
“I am delighted to confirm this funding to Men’s Shed along with my colleague, Minister Calleary. I am very familiar with the work of the Men’s Sheds, and it is clear to me the great benefit they provide particularly in rural areas.
“Since I began as a Minister of State, I have visited many Men’s Sheds across the country and listened to their concerns, ideas and suggestions.
“In providing this funding, the Government is emphasising their commitment to Men’s Sheds as outlined in the programme for government.”