Since 2022, my Department has provided over €2.3 million in current funding directly to the IMSA for onward distribution to individual Men's Sheds. This funding was allocated to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Since 2018, under my Department’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) and its iterations, Men’s Sheds have been allocated over €2.7 million, in capital funding to assist with building upgrades and the purchase of equipment.
Under the €7 million Local Enhancement Programme 2025, €1 million in current funding was made available for Community Groups, including Men’s Sheds, to assist with their energy and running costs, to help them continue their important work within the community. Almost €66,000 of this current funding was allocated to 150 Men’s Sheds in 2025.
Minister Buttimer and I held positive and productive discussions with the IMSA on 22 September. Following that meeting, my officials have met with the IMSA and further meetings are planned to discuss their proposals for the 2026 Scheme.
The Deputy can be assured that I and my Department are totally committed to the work of Men's Sheds and Women's Sheds on the ground. Given that the current method of distribution of funding has been identified by many individual sheds as cumbersome and being a burden, my priority when considering the future allocation mechanism for Men's Sheds is to ensure that the process is streamlined for the Sheds themselves and that funding is targeted and distributed in an effective and efficient manner.
