Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
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Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development , today (Friday 31, May) announced the provision of €500,000 to continue to support the work of Men’s Sheds groups throughout Ireland.
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. In what is the second year of funding for the organisation, Minister Ring is very keen to stress the importance of the Men’s Sheds as they grow in popularity across the country.
Minister Ring said :
“Men’s Sheds have become central to some 400 communities throughout Ireland. They provide an invaluable service by helping to tackling social isolation which in turn strengthens local communities. 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.”
Some examples of how Men’s Sheds around Ireland benefitted from last year’s funding include:
Minister Ring continued :
“I have had the privilege of seeing the great work that local Men’s Sheds do in supporting important local initiatives. The fact that all men in a 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 Men’s Sheds groups affiliated to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association to avail of this funding. Individual Sheds should submit applications to their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) – the deadline for applications will be advertised soon on the gov.ie website, along with application details. I wish the Irish Men’s Shed Association (ISMA) every success as it grows and develops.
“I have also become aware of the emergence of a number of women’s shed groups in communities in recent times. This can only be beneficial to the women involved and their communities. In order to support this positive development I have decided to make this funding available to these women’s shed groups and I urge them to apply.
“I cannot overstate the importance of working collaboratively with other women’s sheds in order to progress. The Irish Men’s Shed Association (ISMA) is an excellent example of strength in numbers and my Department has supported them in their development.”
Barry Sheridan, CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, welcomed the news, stating :
“We are delighted with the announcement of capital funding for Men’s Sheds throughout the country. It further reinforces the impact that sheds are having within communities. In less than ten years Men’s Sheds have played and continue to play a pivotal role 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. We thank the Minister and his Department for the continued support that will go some way to ensuring Men’s Sheds have a strong vibrant sustainable future in Ireland.
“I welcome the fact that there are some Women’s Sheds starting out across the country. The Men’s Sheds Association would be delighted to talk to them in relation to any advice or support we can offer.”
ENDS