Minister Ring confirms Government funding for Women’s Sheds for first time

€500,000 funding will support 372 Men’s and Women’s Sheds to purchase equipment and carry out works

Mr Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development , has today confirmed that 372 Men’s & Women’s Sheds have been allocated a total of €500,000 from his Department, in order to support the important work these groups provide for their communities.

Minister Ring said:

“I introduced funding for Men’s Sheds in 2018 in recognition of the great support that they provide to men in communities across Ireland. Since its establishment less than ten years ago, the impact of the Men’s Sheds movement has been phenomenal.

“I have decided to extend this funding to Women’s Sheds. Having witnessed the exceptionally positive impact of Men’s Sheds in recent years, I’ve no doubt that the emergence of Women’s Sheds can only be a good thing for community life in Ireland

“I’m delighted that 33 Women’s Shed Groups have availed of the funding on offer and I hope to see this number grow in coming years.

“Men’s & Women’s Sheds are making an invaluable contribution to community life in Ireland. They provide great support to their thousands of members and have helped tackle the problem of social isolation. In many cases these groups have also become vital cogs in a variety of community initiatives such as the TidyTowns and local community events.”

This capital funding will enabled individual Men’s & Women’s Sheds to purchase equipment or to carry out minor works to improve their premises through the provision of small grants.

Minister Ring continued:

“A relatively small amount of money can go a long way and investment in groups like Men’s & Women’s sheds will be put to excellent use in local communities throughout the country.”

Minister Ring is confirming the recipients of this funding following an application process which was overseen by the Local Community Development Committees.

Some examples of how Men’s & Women’s Sheds around Ireland are benefitting from this funding include:

Deise Women's Shed in Dungarvan Waterford allocated funding of €1,100 to purchase portable sound equipment and projection equipment.
Headway Men's Shed in Dublin allocated funding of €1,736 for tools and equipment to make wheelchair accessible flower beds/planter boxes for community garden allotments.
Ballygar Men’s Shed in Galway allocated funding of €1,040 to create an all-weather outdoor recreational area linked to their garden.
Buionn Mna Dhún Eibhir in Mayo allocated funding of € 1,176 for kitchen equipment.
KASI Women's Group in Kerry allocated funding of € 950 to purchase sewing machines and other accessories for Women's Group.
Banagher Men's Shed in Offaly allocated funding of € 1,178 to purchase materials & equipment for landscaping works in the town.

A full list of projects supported under this fund is available at the below link: Community Enhancement Programme Projects

ENDS

Notes to Editors

This funding was a ring-fenced fund for both Men’s & Women’s Sheds under the Community Enhancement Programme which is targeted towards enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities
This €500,000 is in addition to the €4.5m funding for the Community Enhancement Programme 2019. (Total €5m)

Minister Ring confirms Government funding for Women’s Sheds for first time

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