Sixteen Men’s Sheds benefit from Government funding

Áine Ryan

SIXTEEN Men’s Sheds in Co Mayo are set to benefit from funding allocated by Minister Michael Ring’s Department of Rural and Community Development. Under the Community Enhancement Programme the funding tranche of €21,728 will go towards the upgrading of facilities and the purchase of equipment in Men’s Sheds all over the county. The initiative was developed in association with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.
The grant amounts averaged at €1,367 for each Men’s Shed. Beneficiaries are Men’s Sheds in Ballinrobe, Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Charlestown, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Erris, Glen Nephin, Kiltimagh, Louisburgh, Mulranny, Newport, Killala, Swinford, Westport.  
Welcoming the funding, Minister Ring said: “It’s really heartening to hear what the individual Sheds are doing with the money and it shows that modest investments in good community organisations can go a long way. The emergence of the Men’s Sheds in recent years has been an extremely positive development for communities across Ireland and I’m delighted to be able to support the Sheds in these early stages.”
“Among their members they have great experience and know-how and they make a massive contribution to their local communities. They provide invaluable support to important local initiatives such as Tidy Towns groups, local festivals and important charity events,” he continued.
In the case of Ballina Men’s Shed, the grant has enabled them to acquire a bandsaw for their carpentry workshop. Shed Secretary, Seamie Rice said: “This is a game-changer for us. It’s a big piece of kit and it’s going to completely revolutionise the types of projects we can carry out. It’ll take our workshop to the next level.”