Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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2584. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide additional supports, including financial support, in respect of the construction, renovation and alterations to women and men’s sheds across County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18684/25]

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) which has been extended for 6 months from 30 June 2025 onwards. 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; and
• 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 may be eligible to apply.

I am very aware of the growing interest in Women's Sheds but as Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under an overall organisation, my Department is unable to provide funding similar to that previously provided to Men’s Sheds via the IMSA. However, my Department has ring-fenced funding under various iterations of the LEP to help Women’s Sheds.

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