Seven men's sheds in Longford to benefit from share of €1m funding

Seven men's sheds in Longford are set to benefit from a share of €1 million in newly announced government funding. 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, today (Monday November 20) announced news of the funding at the very first 'Shedfest' in Virginia, Co Cavan, with grants of up to €3,000 available for 435 sheds around the country. 

Inspired by the Australian movement of the same name, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association was formed in 2011 to offer men an opportunity to meet in a supportive, collaborative space, improve their health and wellbeing, and contribute to their communities. 

Sheds in Longford include groups in Drumlish Ballinamuck, Dromard, Longford Town, Granard, Killoe, Rath Mhuire and North Longford. 

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

"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.

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"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.

"This funding builds on last year’s fund of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds, and just shows the long term commitment to Men’s Sheds from this government." 

The CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Enda Egan, thanked the minister for "her ongoing support for the sheds". 

He said, "The Men’s Shed movement was hit very hard by the Covid pandemic with weekly attendance numbers falling from 10,000 pre-covid to approximately 6,000 currently. This announcement is a major a boost for us in the Irish Men’s Sheds Association to know that this funding can be utilised by sheds to pay for their utility bills throughout this winter and mitigate against the increased cost of running a Men’s shed.

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"This funding will help greatly towards the sustainability of Ireland’s 435 Men’s Sheds as many continue to struggle to re-open and remain operational post-covid. 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." 

Funding will reportedly be allocated to sheds nationwide by the Irish Men's Sheds Association. 

Photo: Irish Men's Sheds Association/ YouTube