Funding announced to support 21 Men’s Sheds in Mayo
A Mayo TD has welcomed funding to support the running of Men’s Sheds groups in Mayo.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced total funding of €1million to support Men’s Sheds.
The initiative will see grants of up to €3,000 provided to over 435 Men’s Sheds nationwide to assist them with running costs such as electricity or insurance bills.
The individual grants will be distributed to the Men’s Sheds via its representative body, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
Announcing the €1m in funding today, Minister Humphreys said: “Our Men’s Sheds provide an absolutely invaluable service in communities the length and breadth of the country. And as we enter the winter period, the supports that our Men’s Sheds provide are even more important.
“Our Men’s Sheds have gone from being a small organisation just a few years ago to a national representative body with over 400 members.”
Deputy Dillon said he was delighted that up to 20 Men’s Sheds across the length and breadth of Mayo will receive funding of €3,000 each to assist them in their weekly running costs or to carry out small improvements in their premises.
“Men’s Shed groups across Mayo, including Castlebar, Louisburgh, Claremorris, Charlestown, among others, provide a valuable service in rural and urban areas. They help tackle isolation and provide a welcoming and comfortable space for men to come together and socialise.”
Deputy Dillon said: “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.
"I hope this funding will assist them over the winter months and help bring our Men’s Sheds from strength to strength.”
The Men’s Shed groups in Mayo to received funding are: Kilcommon, Mulranny, Kiltimagh, Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Crossmolina, Ballinrobe, Islandeady, Foxford, Claremorris, Charlestown, Swinford, Achill Island, Ballyhaunis, Erris, Glen Nephin, Kilfian, Louisburgh, Newport and Round Tower.