The issue of changes in funding support for Men’s Sheds was raised in the Dáil last night by Tipperary South TD Seamus Healy.
Deputy Healy says 17 different men’s sheds in County Tipperary have contacted him about the future of their operations. This is because of the reduction in grants available for the period from 1 June 2024 to 30 May 2025. In 2023-24, a ring-fenced grant of €1.15 million was available for in excess of 450 sheds nationwide. These grants were for up to €3,000 per shed. The sheds are now concerned that the grant may not be available in 2024-25. Under the new Local Community Enhancement Grant Scheme each shed is likely to receive a reduced grant amount of between €250 and €500. Deputy Healy is asking the Government to reinstate the ring fenced grants that were previously available.
Minister Dara Calleary is to meet with Representatives of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in the coming weeks to receive a funding proposal from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. The Minister is also confirming his acknowledgement of the contribution Men’s Sheds make to the lives of their members and their communities.The First Men’s Shed in Ireland was founded in Knockanrawley Resource Centre in Tipperary town in 2009 – there are now Sheds all across county Tipperary in Ballagh, Ballina, Borrisokane, Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, Clogheen, Clonmel, Fethard, Glengoole, Moycarkey, Mullinahone, Nenagh, Roscrea, Silvermines, Thurles in addition to Tipperary town.
