Funding uncertainty threatens closure of Clare men’s sheds

Men’s shed organisations across Clare face possible closure if the Department of Rural and Community Development does not confirm funding for the 2025/26 grant year.

The Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) warned its members on 11 September that Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary (FF) had indicated the 2025/26 Men’s Sheds Grant “will not now proceed” and that the next grant is not expected until 2027.

The IMSA explained that the most recent grant, awarded in May 2026, covered eligible expenditure from May 2024 to April 2025. Consequently, sheds will have no dedicated grant for overhead costs from May 2025 through the end of 2026, affecting rent, insurance, electricity, heating, water and other essential running costs.

A spokesperson for the department responded to The Clare Champion, describing the IMSA reports as “inaccurate” and stating that the department is working on “charting a way forward” amid the funding row.

Derek Clune, chairman of the Shannon Men’s Shed, said losing the 2025/26 funding would be “a disaster” for the eleven men’s sheds in Clare and similar groups nationwide, highlighting the vital physical and mental health benefits the sheds provide since their establishment in 2014.

Source: Clare Champion. Photo: Paco DP / Pexels.