Tom Neville
Question:70. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to allocate funding in 2019 to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15229/19]
View answerWednesday, 3 April 2019
Questions (70)
Oral answers (4 contributions)
My question concerns whether funding will be allocated to Men's Sheds in 2019.
The emergence of Men’s Sheds in recent years has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. In towns, villages and cities which I have visited in my capacity as Minister, I am continually struck by the great work that Men’s Sheds do by offering a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where men of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.
The Government is very committed to supporting these groups. In 2018 a range of supports were available for Men’s Sheds and many of these will be available again in 2019.
Last year I provided a special Men's Shed fund under the community enhancement programme. This made €500,000 of ring-fenced funding available to Men’s Sheds groups to carry out minor capital works or to purchase equipment. Men's Sheds groups were also eligible to apply for funding under the main community enhancement programme, under which €12.5 million of funding was made available in 2018. This year, I have announced an initial allocation of €4.5 million for the community enhancement programme and the Men's Sheds continue to be eligible to apply for funding under this programme.
My Department also has responsibility for SICAP which provided 40 grants totalling €34,050 to Men's Sheds groups in 2018. This support will continue to be available throughout the current iteration of SICAP which runs until 2022.
In addition, under the LEADER programme for the period 2014-2020, funding to the value of €670,685 for ten projects that are for use by groups, including Men's Sheds, was approved in 2018. This funding stream will continue past 2019.
I welcome the allocation of funding. Some 323 sheds across Limerick, particularly in places in my constituency such as Galbally, Glin, Doon, Killmallock and Newcastle West, have been allocated funding. I have met people from a number of Men's Sheds. I met members of the Glin Men's Shed at the horse fair a couple of months ago. One of issues I would ask the Minister to examine is that relating to capital costs versus operational costs. The sheds often have capital costs for the purposes of getting buildings up and running, for example buying tools and timber for the work the participants do. However, once the sheds are up and running, things such as tools do not represent recurring costs because they last for a number of years. Operational costs can cause difficulties, particularly in the context of, for example, insurance. This is the case throughout the country. I am aware that the cost of insurance working group is working on that issue. I am also aware that there has been a slight reduction in the cost of motor insurance, but this is having an impact on voluntary organisations. Perhaps the Department could examine the operational costs, or provide help to cover those costs. Men's Sheds may avail of the capital costs in one year and not require those funds the next year. That is not to say that they are not under pressure. I would appreciate it if the Minister could examine this matter.
I thank the Deputy very much. I know he tried very hard to get some funding ring-fenced for men's sheds. As I said, they are working very well around the country. Funding programmes are in place. I will look again at this area and if there are any savings in the Department, I will see what I can do in respect of capital works for men's sheds. The Irish Men's Sheds Association is a tremendous organisation, which has given people a new lease of life. It is only right that the Government give it support and funding through SICAP, the LEADER programme and my Department because it is an organisation that is working very well.