Funding Approved For 15 Mens Shed Groups In Wicklow

15 Men’s Sheds in Wicklow are in line to receive grants of up to €3,000 to financially support them.

The funding that is being made available to each shed is going to help with the cost of heating bills, electricity utility bills and insurance bills.

Announcing the funding, Minister Heather Humphreys said:

“The emergence of our Men’s Sheds has been a hugely positive development for communities right across Ireland.

“They help tackle isolation and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where men of all ages can come together to socialise, share skills and work on meaningful projects.

 “As we enter the winter months, the supports that our Men’s Sheds provide are more important than ever.

 “I’m therefore delighted to announce this new €1 million initiative, which will see 435 Men’s Sheds supported with grants of up to €3,000.

 “This funding builds on last year’s fund of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds, and just shows the long term commitment to Men’s Sheds from this government.”

The 15 Men’s Sheds that are in line to receive grants of up to €3,000 in Wicklow are:

-          Tinahely

-          Vale of Avoca

-          Greystones

-          Newtown & Newcastle

-          Kilcoole

-          Wicklow

-          Bray

-          Baltinglass

-          Kilcoole Lodge Nursing Home

-          Blessington

-          Arklow

-          Rathnew

-          Roundwood

-          Rathdrum

-          Shelton Abbey.

In a statement Wicklow Minister Simon Harris said “We know the cost of everything has gone up in recent times and it is vital Government continue to intervene to help meet that cost and soften the blow for organisations like Men’s Sheds.

“As we head towards the colder months of the year we know that these supports are crucial to all.

Minister Harris added: “Men’s Sheds have had such a positive impact since they came to be, they help tackle isolation and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where men of all ages can come together to socialise, share skills and work on meaningful projects."