Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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266. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding annual funding to men’s sheds groups; if the intention is to maintain the same level of funding that was provided in 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6654/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds.

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 was announced in November 2024, with funding of €7 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. Under the LEP, Men's Sheds are eligible to apply directly to their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for funding under both capital and current funding streams. This will allow Men's Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for the purchase of equipment for their facilities.

The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by LCDCs across the country, with support from their local authority. I would encourage all Men's Sheds to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply for this funding.

Separately, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) also provides supports to Men's Sheds. To date, approximately 50 Men’s sheds received €58,825 in SICAP 2024 – 2028 supports. This support is still available through SICAP.

The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration commenced on 1 July 2022 for a three year period. The scheme has been extended for a further 6 months from 30 June 2025 onwards to facilitate a review of the SSNO. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has been allocated total funding of €283,684 over the three-years and 6 month period of the scheme.

Also, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development. The budget for the LEADER programme is allocated for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the Local Action Group (LAG) in the allocation of funding.

Organisations, such as Men’s Sheds, may be eligible for LEADER funding but in the first instance contact should be made with the local Implementing Partner. Contact details for the Implementing Partners are available on my Departments website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/

My officials reached out to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) late last year with regard to funding and they advised that they were not in a position to submit a proposal for distribution of grants at that time, but that they would be in contact with my Department in 2025.

I would encourage all Men’s Sheds to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their LCDCs, Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.