Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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2628. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will clarify all available funding options for running and capital costs for Men's Sheds; if he will address the funding shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20574/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The emergence of Men’s Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where people of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities. I am fully committed to supporting Men's Sheds in the valuable work they do.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to continue to fund Men's Sheds and my Department currently provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds.

These supports include -

The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme 2025 which allowed Men's Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for their facilities. This programme has recently closed for applications.

• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2024 - 2028, which also provides supports to Men's Sheds.
• The LEADER programme, where funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities but focused on a thematic approach to rural development.

In previous years, ring-fenced funding was provided to the IMSA for distribution to its members. This funding followed on from proposals submitted by the IMSA. Late last year, my officials reached out to the IMSA regarding their funding requirements and were advised that the IMSA was not in a position to submit a proposal for funding at that time, but indicated they would be in contact with my Department in 2025.

I recently met with representatives of the IMSA in relation to funding available from my Department going forward, and discussions are ongoing.

In the meantime, I would advise all Men’s Sheds to check my Department's website on a regular basis to ensure they are aware of any funding streams which are available to them.