Sixteen local Men's Shed groups allocated funding

The first ever National Conference of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, 'Shedfest' took place last week where Minister for Social Protection and Rural & Community Affairs, Heather Humphrey announced that 435 Men's Shed groups across Ireland will benefit from grants up to €3,000 under a new €1 million fund.

Sixteen local groups will be able to access this funding, which will help with their running costs such as heating, electricity, utility and insurance bills.

The Meath Men's Shed groups to receive these grants are as follows: Ratoath, Slane & District, Dunboyne, Trim, Ashbourne, Moynalty, Kilcloon, Kells, Navan, Athboy, Broomfield, Kilmessan, Dunshaughlin, Drumconrath, Meath Coast and An Tobar.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: "The emergence of our Men’s Sheds has been a hugely positive development for communities right across Ireland. They help tackle isolation and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where men of all ages can come together to socialise, share skills and work on meaningful projects."

She added: "This funding builds on last year’s fund of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds, and just shows the long term commitment to Men’s Sheds from this government.”

Enda Egan, CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, said the funding was a “major boost to know that this funding can be utilised by sheds to pay for their utility bills throughout this winter and mitigate against the increased cost of running a Men’s shed."