Mayo Men’s Sheds receive reassurance amid funding uncertainty
Keira Keogh TD says no decision has been made to cut funding and pledges to continue advocating for local sheds
Men’s Shed members across Mayo have been reassured that no decision has been made to cut funding for the movement, amid recent concern about the future of financial support.
Mayo TD Keira Keogh said she is engaging on the issue and will continue to advocate for the support needed by Men’s Sheds across the county.
She described Men’s Sheds as “one of the greatest community success stories in Ireland”, highlighting their role in tackling loneliness and social isolation, supporting mental wellbeing, preserving traditional skills and delivering projects for local communities.
Deputy Keogh said she has worked closely with Men’s Sheds across Mayo since being elected and has seen first-hand the contribution they make to individuals, families and communities.
Earlier this year, she welcomed members of Westport and Louisburgh Men’s Sheds to Leinster House, where she heard about the work being carried out locally.
She said she understood why recent reports had caused concern, but stressed that no decision has been made to cut funding for Men’s Sheds.
According to Deputy Keogh, some of the concern relates to discussions between the Department and the Irish Men’s Shed Association about future funding and how grants are administered.
She said the Department has indicated that a significant portion of funding allocated in recent years was not fully drawn down or spent, leading to discussions about how grants could be distributed more effectively in the future.
The Fine Gael TD said the focus should be on ensuring funding reaches local sheds in the most straightforward and efficient way possible.
She also highlighted concerns raised by members of Westport and Louisburgh Men’s Sheds about the administrative burden involved in the current application process.
“These organisations are run by volunteers, and it is important that they can focus their time and energy on supporting members, delivering projects and strengthening their communities rather than navigating unnecessary bureaucracy,” Deputy Keogh said.
She added that any efforts to simplify the process while protecting funding for local sheds should be welcomed.
While funding programmes remain subject to the annual Budget process, Deputy Keogh said Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer have publicly acknowledged the importance of the Men’s Shed movement.
She also said she understands that Minister Calleary is due to meet with the Irish Men’s Shed Association on September 22.
Deputy Keogh said she wanted members of all Men’s Sheds across Mayo to know that their work is “valued, appreciated and recognised”.
“I will continue to work closely with them and to make the case for the support they need to continue delivering such an important service,” she said.