West Mayo Men's Shed gets new home

DEPUTY Michael Ring has expressed his delighte with the news that Louisburgh Men's Shed is going to finally get a permanent facility in the town.

Funding has been provided by Minister Heather Humphreys under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme’s Building Acquisition Measure to enable Mayo County Council to purchase the former HSE centre at Cahir, Louisburgh, for use as the Louisburgh Area’s Men's Shed.

The building has been unoccupied for many years and is surplus to HSE requirements.

Louisburgh Men's Shed has been growing in membership since it was first set up and they have carried out a lot of worthwhile projects in the local community and projects in collaboration with other groups such as Foróige, etc.

Ireland has become one of the leading nations for men’s sheds in recent years. Currently, there are over 450 sheds in Ireland, with at least 10,000 men visiting a shed every week.

The Men's Shed is a place for men to meet and share ideas, develop local projects and host speakers on a range of topics. Most sheds engage in activities such as woodwork, gardening, carpentry and community work. However, the most important aspect of the Louisburgh Men's Shed is that it is a way to help create friendships, overcome isolation in a rural area, giving men the opportunity to engage with one another about anything, most often over a cup of tea and a read of the papers.

Said Deputy Ring: “I am delighted that Louisburgh Men's Shed have been given a permanent home in the former HSE centre. It is great to see the building being revitalised and brought back to life for the local community.

“I wish Louisburgh Men's Shed continued success for the future.”