Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1617. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to provide funding for the purchase or long lease, including fit-out, of long-term secure accommodation for an organisation (details supplied) in view of its importance to society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13415/23]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
Last November, I was delighted to announce funding of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds throughout the country.
The initiative will see grants of up to €2,000 provided to over 400 Men’s Sheds nationwide to assist them with running costs such as electricity or insurance bills.
The individual grants will be distributed to the over 400 Men’s Sheds via its representative body, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA). Sheds should contact the IMSA for further details.
Separately, Men's Sheds can also apply for funding under the recently announced Community Support Fund (CSF). This €10m fund was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but will also provide funding for small capital works projects. The fund is being administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) on behalf of my Department and interested groups should contact their local LCDC directly for further information.
I note the Deputy’s points and I will keep them under consideration for future funding streams that may become available.
