Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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125. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total number of Men's Sheds and Women's Sheds currently operating in Ireland; what financial and practical supports are available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14543/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding to Men's Sheds and Women’s (Sister) Sheds under various funding supports, including:

• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 which allowed Men's Sheds and Women’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 also provides supports to Men's Sheds and Women’s Sheds. This support is still available through SICAP.
• 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.
• 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. Both Men’s and Women’s Shed maybe eligible to apply.