Grants of €2,000 will be provided to all eight Men’s Sheds in Laois to assist with their running costs.
This initiative will see this grant of €2,000 being allocated to 400 Men’s Sheds nationwide.
Over the past decade, Men’s Sheds have become a vital part of Ireland’s community infrastructure.
Sheds offer men an opportunity to meet in a supportive, collaborative space, improve their health and wellbeing, and contribute to their communities.
There are eight located across Laois with one in Borris-In-Ossory, Portarlington, Rathdowney, Mountmellick, Mountrath, Portlaoise and Knock.
While the Laois Travellers Men’s Shed also benefited from this announcement.
Local representatives have welcomed the funding.
Laois TD Sean Fleming said: “Earlier this year I met with representatives from the Men’s Shed in Laois and I am very pleased to see this funding being allocated to every group. It will assist in some part to the rising costs.
“I look forward to each group receiving these grants as soon as possible so they can put the money to good use to the benefit of everyone involved and assist them continue their great work.
“The Government in October separately announced a new funding scheme for Women’s Sheds across Ireland.
“The idea of the Women’s Shed is to allow women to connect with others, socialise and share their interests while having a safe place to meet.
“Applications for this funding are now open and all Women’s Sheds and interested groups in Laois should apply now for this funding.”
TD Charlie Flanagan said: “The work of Men’s Sheds in recent years has been an extremely positive development for communities across Laois and this funding in recognition of the wonderful contribution they make at a local level.
“This capital funding provides small grants to individual Men’s Sheds to enable them to purchase equipment or to carry out minor works to improve their premises.
“The great work that local Men’s Sheds do in supporting important local initiatives.
“Especially as among their members they have great expertise, experience and know-how and make a great contribution to our local communities, in Laois.
“Men’s Sheds offer a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where men of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.
“This level of support reflects the impact Sheds are making on communities throughout Ireland.”
Minister Pippa Hackett added: “I recently met with Enda Egan, CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association and together with Cllr Leahy we visited Tullamore Men’s Shed.
“I heard first hand of the problems that increased running costs were causing in sheds locally.
“I welcome today’s news that each Men’s Shed in Laois, Offaly and nationwide will receive €2,000 to assist with these costs and some minor maintenance, where needed.
“In Tullamore I was delighted to hear that a hot lunch was prepared by Shed members every day.
“I have no doubt of the importance of this for the mental and physical health of those who get to share in it. Long may it continue.
“I am aware that the national body, Irish Men’s Sheds Association, must also be supported in the important work that they are doing with 400 sheds and I will advocate for this.”
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