I met with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in Dublin last week.

The Men’s Sheds were in Dublin to present their pre-budget submission to Oireachtas members.

“I was delighted to meet with Enda Egan CEO, Pat Towey and Jonathan King, Men’s Sheds Volunteers to discuss the issues now facing Men’s Shed.

The Men’s Sheds Association are seeking further support by having a Shed Maintenance Grants for each Shed. A Shed Sustainability grant and a VAT and commercial rates refund are basic requirements”.

In order to further develop the Men’s Sheds Network, there needs to be a specific once-off grant for any newly registered Shed.

“I also believe that a National recruitment campaign is important to ensure that the Men’s Shed Movement can continue to grow and thrive. Men’s Sheds are a vital part of the community infrastructure and continues to meet in a supportive, collaborative space, improving the health and wellbeing of members and contributing positively to the communities in which they are based”.

“Following on from the COVID 19 lock down Sheds need support to boost the re-opening and give confidence to their Men’s Sheds Movement”.