Grants of up to €3,000 to be provided to Kilkenny Men's Sheds

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has announced a new €1 million fund to support Men’s Sheds across the country.

There are nine Men’s Sheds in the county of Kilkenny.

Under the initiative, grants of up to €3,000 will be provided to 435 Men’s Sheds across the country.

The funding is designed to assist Men’s Sheds with their running costs such as their heating, electricity utility and insurance bills.

The Minister made the announcement at the National Conference of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).

“The emergence of our Men’s Sheds has been a hugely positive development for communities right across Ireland,” said Minister Humphreys.

“They 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.”

“As we enter the winter months, the supports that our Men’s Sheds provide are more important than ever. I’m therefore delighted to announce this new €1 million initiative, which will see 435 Men’s Sheds supported with grants of up to €3,000.”

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association was formed in 2011. However, the Men’s Shed movement originally started in Australia which inspired their Irish counterparts to begin their own movement.

The Minister added that she was delighted to meet with so many members of the Men’s Sheds at their first ever national conference, ‘Shedfest’ in Virginia, County Cavan.

“I recognise and acknowledge the positive role of Men’s Sheds in the context of social inclusion all over the country and welcome this funding to assist them as they continue that work,” said Minister of State, Joe O’ Brien.

“I want to thank all of the 435 Men’s Sheds for their work and voluntarism and I have no doubt this funding will be a big help.”

“We are delighted with today’s announcement and we’re grateful to Minister Humphreys for her ongoing support for the sheds,” said Enda Egan, CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

“There is no doubt Shed members up and down the country, and their communities will benefit greatly from this funding and I know that the support from Minister Humphreys is much appreciated by all shed members.”