Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2025
360. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a breakdown of the funding announced for women’s sheds in Budget 2026; the category of groups that can apply for this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra361. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding available to a registered charity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66402/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 361 together.
I believe that the emergence of Women's Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland and I am fully committed to supporting Women's Sheds in the valuable work they do.
My Department provides funding to Women’s (Sister) Sheds under various funding supports, including:
• The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028
• The LEADER programme.
Women's Sheds can apply individually for all of these schemes.
As Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under a national organisation, my Department is unable to provide funding similar to that provided to Men’s Sheds via the Irish Men's Sheds Association. My Department and the Department of Health are currently working with the Women's Sheds of Ireland to support their efforts to form a national body thereby facilitating access to similar funding.
Separately, the Department of Health secured funding of €150,000 in Budget 2026 to support Women's Sheds.
At present, I do not have any plans to introduce additional funding supports specifically for Women's Sheds. However, the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is currently under consideration and, as in previous years, I expect individual Women's Sheds will be eligible to apply under the programme.
I would encourage all Women’s Sheds to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcdg, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of relevant funding opportunities as they become available.
