Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton, has welcomed confirmation that total funding of €9,600 has been allocated between six Men’s Shed groups in Cork East Constituency. The allocation was made by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the ring-fenced fund for Women’s and Men’s Sheds under the Community Enhancement Programme.
The six local Men’s Shed groups chosen for grant funding under the latest round of allocations announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, are:
Group – Grant amount – Purpose of funding
Le Chéile Mallow Men’s Shed – €1,600 – Upgrade of premises
Carrigtwohill Men’s Shed – €1,600 – Purchase of tools and equipment
Cobh Men’s Shed – €1,600 – Purchase of IT equipment
Glounthaune Men’s Shed – €1,600 – Purchase of tools and equipment
Midleton Men’s Shed – €1,600 – Purchase of heating equipment
Youghal Men’s Shed – €1,600 – Purchase of gardening tools and equipment
Total funding: €9,600
Speaking after confirmation of the allocation, Minister Stanton said: “I am very pleased to see that the Men’s Shed groups in Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Glounthaune, Mallow, Midleton and Youghal have all been successful in their applications for funding. This funding is recognition of the excellent community work conducted by these groups with each receiving a grant of €1,600 to facilitate the purchase of tools and equipment or to make necessary premises upgrades. I have no doubt that such allocations will be highly beneficial in allowing each group to continue to provide such an invaluable service to their local communities”.
The Men’s Sheds movement has become central to almost 400 communities nationwide since its establishment less than a decade ago. I am delighted that the movement has since grown to encompass Women’s Shed groups with 33 groups nationwide receiving funding under the latest allocation and I would hope that this number continues to grow in the future. Women’s and Men’s Sheds provide a vital service to our local communities as they help to tackle social isolation by fostering a sense of companionship which in turn promotes mental wellbeing”, said Minister Stanton.