Donegal’s Men’s and Women’s Sheds ‘face uncertainty’

Men’s and Women’s Sheds in Donegal face an uncertain future, a Donegal County Councillor has warned.

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Glenties Municipal District, Cllr Brian Carr, has raised concerns about changes to how Men’s and Women’s Sheds in Donegal receive funding.

Cllr Carr said: “Previously, a Sustainability Grant provided €1.2 million nationally, allowing Sheds to claim up to €3,000 for vouched expenses through Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

“In Donegal, 25 sheds relied on this vital funding. However, this year the funding for the Local Enhancement Programme will now be managed by the Council’s Local Community Development Committee.

“In Donegal’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), funding allocation has increased to €303,000—an €85,000 rise from last year. However, Men’s and Women’s Sheds now face competition with other groups for funding within the same LEP application process.

“This shift raises concerns about the sustainability of Sheds, which are essential for promoting mental health, wellbeing, and community. Donegal Sheds depend on this funding to remain operational and losing it would be detrimental. Even the closure of a single shed would have a devastating impact.

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“To safeguard their future, I urge Donegal County Council and the Local Community Development Committee to ringfence €75,000 of the LEP allocation exclusively for Sheds. This measure will protect their critical role in supporting health and well-being across the county.

“Having worked closely with the Sheds, I have seen firsthand the life-changing impact they have on individuals and communities. It’s essential to secure consistent funding for these vital spaces. I have submitted a motion for the upcoming Council plenary meeting requesting that the Council write to the incoming Minister for Rural and Community Development.

“The motion seeks approval for Council to ringfence €75,000 from the Local Enhancement Programme funding so the 25 Sheds can avail of the €3000 sustainability grant. Deputy Pearse Doherty has also written directly to the Minister outlining why the changes made could have such a detrimental effect on communities.”