Sheds 'more important than ever' - Humphreys confirms €1m funding for 435 men's sheds

The government has confirmed funding worth €1 million for men's sheds across Ireland. 

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, today (Monday November 20) announced news of the new fund at the very first 'Shedfest' in Virginia, Co Cavan. 

Grants of up to €3,000 will be provided to eligible men's sheds to support the running costs of 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. 

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.

"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." 

She continued: "I was delighted to meet with so many of the members of Men’s Sheds at their first ever national conference in Virginia, County Cavan, which is called ‘Shedfest’. 

"As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I regularly meet Men’s Sheds and I am very proud of the work they do and the contribution they make to their communities.

"I have no doubt that this funding that I am announcing today will give a help hand to Men’s Sheds in terms of paying a bill or perhaps carrying out small improvements to the facilities." 

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.

"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." 

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

Sheds across Ireland include 5 in Carlow, 75 in Dublin, 9 in Laois, 16 in Meath, 12 in Westmeath, 16 in Kildare, 10 in Offaly, 9 in Kilkenny, 7 in Longford, 25 each in Donegal and Limerick, 16 in Tipperary, 21 in Mayo and 10 in Waterford, among many others.