Written answers
Thursday, 27 March 2025
Department of Rural and Community Development
Men's Sheds
Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
92. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams, under his remit, that are available to men’s sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14377/25]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
My Department provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds and these supports include:
- The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 which allowed Men's Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for the purchase of equipment for their facilities. LEP 2025 has recently closed for applications.
- The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028, which also provides supports to Men's Sheds.
- The Scheme to Support National Organisations (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, running to the end of December 2025.
- The LEADER programme where funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities but is focused on a thematic approach to rural development.
My officials reached out to the IMSA late last year with regard to funding and were advised that the IMSA were not in a position to submit a proposal for distribution of grants at that time, however they indicated they would be in contact with my Department in 2025. Once my Department receives a funding proposal from the IMSA, it will be considered on its merits and in the context of any available funding.
It should be noted that I will be meeting representatives of the Irish Men's Sheds Association over the coming weeks.
No comments