Men’s Sheds in County Roscommon are set to benefit from additional funding, which will assist with running costs such as heating, electricity utility and insurance bills, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
“Men’s Sheds have been such a positive development in County Roscommon and now play a huge role in communities right across Ireland,” Senator Aisling Dolan said.
“By providing a space for men to come together to meet, have a cup of tea and chat, they have helped tackle isolation and are a welcoming environment for men of all ages to come together to socialise, share skills and work together on projects.
“This overall fund of €1 million will see 435 Men’s Sheds nationwide supported with grants of up to €3000. This is an increase on last year’s fund of €800,000, which demonstrates Fine Gael and the Government’s long term commitment to supporting these impactful community led projects.
“I am particularly pleased to see the overall funding increased, because the Men’s Shed movement was hit hard by the Covid pandemic, and as a direct result of that, attendance numbers have fallen.
“We currently have ten Mens Sheds in Roscommon from Roscommon to Castlerea, Strokestown to Boyle and in Roscommon town.
“Minister Heather Humphreys had the chance to visit the group at the Mens Shed in Ballaghadereen with Pat Towey when she visited the town last May and very much enjoyed the tour and chatting with members. It was great to see the creativity in the workshop and how the group work with the local community.”
This funding will help the sustainability of our local Men’s Sheds and I would encourage men of all ages in Roscommon to check out their local Men’s Shed to see what’s on offer.”