Minister Joe McHugh has welcomed an allocation of €31,884 for 22 Men’s Sheds groups across Donegal – the highest funding package outside of Dublin.
“The message that I hear back from Men’s Sheds in the county is that a little goes a long way in terms of improving the lives of the men who get involved and the communities they support,” Mr McHugh said.
“It can be the simplest of things such as new tools and equipment or improving a premises that can make all the difference.
“The work they do in the local community, whether it’s through Tidy Towns or lending expertise for local festivals and projects, is one of the strongest symbols of volunteer spirit and deepening community relations that has developed in recent years.
“This funding round is open to Men’s Sheds groups through their Local Community Development Committee for small grants to buy equipment or to carry out minor works to improve a premises. I would urge anyone involved in running these groups to get your applications in by the August 31 deadline.”
Mr McHugh, Government Chief Whip and Minister for the Irish language, Gaeltacht and the Islands, said: “Men’s Sheds are a massive asset to our towns and villages. They help prevent isolation. At the heart of them is a safe and inclusive environment for men of all ages to pick up new skills and share their know-how with a new generation but above all else it’s to feel part of a community.
The funding is being provided through the Department of Rural and Community Development and Minister Michael Ring T.D. following discussions with the Irish Men’s Shed Association.
Mr McHugh added: “We have secured for Donegal the highest funding allocation outside of Dublin and once again I want to thank Minister Ring for his focus on supporting communities in our county.
“Minister Ring continually shows a deep commitment to funding small and voluntary organisations that make a difference to lives in Donegal.”
Ends
Queries to Ed Carty, media adviser to Government Chief Whip Joe McHugh 086 4178175
Background
· Applications for this funding should be made to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in each area by 31 August 2018. Further details are available on the Department’s website (www.drcd.gov.ie) and on Local Authority websites. The Irish Men’s Shed Association will also communicate with individual Men’s Sheds to provide them with details on how to apply.
· For details on the Men’s Sheds located in your area, please visit the website of the Irish Men’s Shed Association (www.menssheds.ie).
· This funding for capital equipment or improvements in Men’s Sheds has been put in place following discussions between the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.
· There are approximately 350 Men’s Sheds in Ireland, with a total of 400 across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
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