Men’s Sheds in Louth have benefitted from €10,570.61 funding over the past number of months, Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has said.
Deputy Paula Butterly explained: “Grants of up to €3,000 were made available to assist 369 Men’s Sheds with their running/operational costs such as heating, electricity and insurance bills. All applications were received and assessed by the IMSA.
“The emergence of Men’s Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland, and this Government is fully committed to the continued support of Men’s Sheds in the valuable work they do.”
Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Minister Buttimer said:“I am lucky to have visited many Men’s Sheds since I took up my position last year, and I have seen first-hand the important role they hold in communities up and down the country. For the men and the wider community, the sheds help to tackle social isolation, provide a space to socialise, and build friendships, particularly in rural areas. This funding shows how this Government is emphasising their commitment to Men’s Sheds as outlined in the programme for government.”
Deputy Butterly added “Cooley Peninsula, Drumconrath, Dundalk, Dunleer, Mid‑Louth and Tullyallen Men’s Sheds have all benefitted from this funding, and I’m delighted to see it making a real difference in communities across Louth. We are fortunate to have a very active Men’s Shed network here in Louth and the benefits both to the men attending and their wider communities are immeasurable. Sheds provide an informal, low-pressure environment for friendship and conversation.
A place to meet up with and make friends, our Men’s sheds are a cornerstone for many during life transitions such as retirement, bereavement, or illness. This funding will have been very well utilised, and I’m delighted to see Government support these groups in this way.”
