New grants worth thousands up for grabs for Men’s Sheds across Leitrim

Men’s Sheds in Leitrim are being encouraged to apply for additional funding following the announcements of nationwide support last week.

On Friday, May 23 funding was announced to assist up to 450 Men’s Sheds across the country with running costs including heating, utility and insurance bills.

The funding will be distributed by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. Combined with funding announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development last year, the Association will be able to distribute up to €1 million in total to its members.

Eight Men’s Sheds in Leitrim are eligible to apply for grants of up to €3,000. These include Aughavas Men’s Shed, Ballinamore Men’s Shed, Mohill Men’s Shed, Carrick-on-Shannon Men’s Shed, Killenummery Men’s Shed, Kinlough Men’s Shed, North Leitrim Men’s Shed and Shannonside Travellers Shed.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan has encouraged all eligible Leitrim sheds to apply for this support to help cover operational expenses.

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“We all know the positive impact Men’s Sheds have had on our communities so I’m delighted to see they can now apply for this funding. 

“450 Men’s Sheds across Ireland will receive grants of up to €3000 to help with their running costs.

“This funding will help Men’s Sheds in Leitrim with their costs such as heating, utility, and insurance bills,” Deputy Feighan said.

He noted that Men’s Sheds in Leitrim offer a safe and welcoming environment for men of all ages to connect, highlighting their role in fostering community, encouraging social interaction, sharing skills and engaging in meaningful local projects.

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“I am very familiar with the hard work of all the sheds across Leitrim and it is clear to me the great benefit they provide,” Deputy Feighan added.

Leitrim Men’s Sheds are highly active in their local communities. For example, the Carrick-on-Shannon Men’s Shed built and donated three bird boxes to Scoil Mhuire last year.

More recently, the Aughavas Men’s Shed took on responsibility of maintaining the parish defibrillators, with new batteries and pads installed and training planned for the near future.