Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, Louth MEP Nina Carberry has praised the vital role that Men’s and Women’s Sheds play in fostering connection, creativity, and wellbeing within local communities.
Carberry highlighted the success of the Men’s Shed movement, which was awarded the European Citizens’ Prize seven years ago, describing it as a model of community spirit that continues to thrive across Ireland.
She also welcomed the rapid growth of Women’s Sheds, noting that “thousands of members across the country are now taking part in activities each week, ranging from gardening to creative arts, woodwork, and vehicle repair.”
The Louth MEP commended the seven Men’s Sheds active across County Louth, along with the expanding network of Women’s Sheds, which she said are “quietly transforming communities by offering friendship, shared learning, and support.”
Carberry called for continued EU backing for these initiatives, urging that rural development funding and the LEADER programme remain accessible as part of the next EU budget.
“It’s vital that sheds can benefit from EU funds which can top up national schemes,” she said.
She also pointed to the EU Skills Agenda as an opportunity to recognise the informal learning and intergenerational skill-sharing that takes place in sheds across the country.
“At a time when Europe is facing a severe skills shortage in many sectors, sheds are quietly doing remarkable work by passing on traditional trades and practical know-how,” Carberry added.
Concluding, the MEP said that Ireland’s Men’s and Women’s Sheds are “a powerful example of local community activism,” and encouraged the EU to explore ways to expand this model across Europe.
