Over €15,000 in grants being shared by eight Offaly men's sheds
Eight men's sheds in Offaly have been awarded grants totalling €15,348 to assist with their day-to-day running costs.
The funding of up to €3,000 for each men's shed was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and by Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department.
The grants have been distributed through the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
In Offaly, the eight men's sheds that were awarded the grants were funded as follows: Banagher (€1,155), Belmont (€2,999), Clara (€1,594), Edenderry (€3,000), Hardy Boys (€841), Pullough (€2,042), Rahan (€832), and Tullamore (€2,885).
Offaly TD John Clendennen said the grants were being provided to assist men's sheds with their operational costs "such as heating, electricity and insurance bills".
Each of the applications was received and assessed by the IMSA, he added.
"The emergence of men's sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland, and this Government is fully committed to the continued support of men's sheds in the valuable work they do," said Deputy Clendennen.
"We are fortunate to have a very active men's shed network here in Offaly and the benefits both to the men attending and their wider communities are immeasurable.
"A place to meet up with and make friends, our men’s sheds are a cornerstone for many during life transitions such as retirement, bereavement, or illness.
"This funding will have been very well utilised, and I'm delighted to see Government support these groups in this way," he added.