Men’s Shed says ’door would be closed’ without grant - Donegal News

Manorcunningham Men’s Shed has spoken out about the potential impact of the loss of a vital grant on their day-to-day running costs.

A LOCAL Men’s Shed has spoken out about the potential impact of the loss of a vital government grant on their day-to-day running costs.

Manorcunningham Men’s Shed has told the Donegal News how they will have to move to a smaller premises as they can no longer keep up with overheads.

There has been widespread disappointment amongst men’s sheds nationwide after they were informed that a government grant, known as the sustainability grant, would not proceed this year.

The grant of up to €3,000 per calendar year has been allocated to approximately 450 men’s sheds nationwide.

It helps to cover everyday costs including electricity, rent, heating and insurance – things that sheds like Manorcunningham are finding increasingly difficult to keep up with.

Since opening in 2023, the shed has become a focal point in the local community. It’s a place where men – and women – are welcome to drop in, have a chat, or work on a project.

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Every year, the group submits their receipts for costs to be covered by the Men’s Shed grant. For Chairman of Manor Men’s Shed, Frankie McGinley, the prospect of men’s sheds not having a dedicated grant is “a slap in the face”.

“It’s pulling the rug out from under your feet, you know?,” he said. Assistant Treasurer, Liam Barry agreed: “If we didn’t have the grant, the door would be closed.

“It’s devastating for any organisation, but for us it’s a sustainability grant, it’s the only thing that we get to keep our doors open.

“We’re not a business. We can fundraise so much but we are already fundraising on top of the sustainability grant to stay open.”

Last month, a letter was issued by the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) to men’s sheds across Ireland. After a meeting with the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, the IMSA informed that the grant to cover the period from May 2025 to April 2026 would not go ahead.

The IMSA said a new funding model would instead be pursued. However, this leaves men’s sheds without a grant to cover costs incurred since May 2025.

“We recognise the seriousness of this decision for Sheds across the country,” said a spokesperson for the IMSA in the letter.

“The Men’s Sheds Grant is not simply additional or discretionary funding. For many Sheds, it contributes directly towards the basic costs of keeping their doors open – rent, insurance, electricity, heating, water and other essential running costs.

“Those costs do not stop because the grant has stopped. Many Sheds operate on extremely modest budgets and with limited reserves. They are volunteer-led organisations, sustained by men giving their time freely for the benefit of their members and their wider communities.

“We are particularly concerned about Sheds for whom this funding can make the difference between maintaining their normal opening hours, reducing activities, or potentially becoming inactive.”

They added: “We are deeply disappointed by this decision and we do not believe that a prolonged gap in dedicated running-cost support for Men’s Sheds is acceptable.”

Some of the beautiful pens that were turned out at Manorcunningham Men’s Shed.

Since this correspondence, many men’s sheds have been left in limbo, with no clear idea of when or where their next grant is coming from.

“There appears to be a disconnect between sheds and the IMSA,” said Liam.

He expressed fears that the uncertainty around the grant will dishearten men’s shed members from continuing their efforts.

“That very little not happening – it’s enough to put people off,” said Liam.

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The group currently rents a building on Manorcunningham main street. They work closely with local schools, the Tidy Towns and the Manorcunningham Resource Centre, which is expected to be the shed’s new home by the end of this year.

Liam said the group are “positive about the change” and are grateful to have a new facility to go to.

However, he added: “We’re moving to a smaller premises with one room. A smaller premises means less services.”

The shed partakes in a number of community projects and charity fundraising. They also run courses in woodturning and crochet, among other crafts.

“If you have an idea for a project and it’s feasible, we can do it,” said Frankie.

Amid the uncertainty, there is one motto that the Manorcunningham Men’s Shed will continue to promote going forward.

“If the doors are open and the lights are on – call in,” said Frankie.

The Donegal News has contacted the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for a response.

A spokesperson today (Thursday) said: “The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) recognises the important work carried out by Men’s Sheds and remain fully committed to supporting their valuable work in communities across the country. Ministers Calleary and Buttimer have visited numerous Men’s Sheds in the course of their work and both truly value the impact the sheds have in tackling rural isolation while also benefitting men’s mental health and both Ministers are committed to the continued funding of Men’s Sheds.

“The Department also recognise the value of Women’s Sheds and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA).

“No Government decision has been made in relation to funding for 202526. All funding programmes in the Department are subject to the Annual Budgetary Estimates process which is currently ongoing and therefore, the Department cannot make any definite future funding commitments at present. This is a normal position to take at this stage of the budgetary process.

“Both Minister Calleary and Buttimer are clear that the funding of local Men’s sheds is a priority for them.

“On Tuesday, September 22, the Ministers had a constructive meeting with a delegation from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).

“A criticism of the current grant application process by some Men’s Sheds is that it is cumbersome and convoluted. To help streamline the distribution of grants, Minister Calleary asked the IMSA to re-examine the way in which it distributes funding to make it easier for the individual Men’s Sheds. The Department has now received a proposal which is now being reviewed. Any revised models of funding distribution will be made in tandem with the outcome of the annual budgetary estimates process.

“Since that meeting on September 22nd, three further meetings have taken place between DRCDG officials and the IMSA and work has now commenced on charting a way forward that will address the concerns raised and ensure that the funding will be available to men’s sheds in an accessible way going forward.”

He continued: “The Department has provided significant funding through the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) to individual Men’s Sheds in recent years.

“In November 2022, and December 2023, the then Minister announced funding of €800,000 and €1,000,000 respectively, to support Men’s Sheds throughout the country with running costs, such as electricity and insurance bills.

“In November 2024, the Department reached out to the IMSA regarding submitting a funding proposal for consideration, however the IMSA advised that they could not submit a proposal at that time.

“The Department continued to engage with IMSA and in May 2025, it was announced that core funding of €769,500 was available for the IMSA to distribute to the over 450 sheds registered with them.

“Along with the funding held by the IMSA from previous years, this provided a total of €1 million to the IMSA in 2025 which was then, following the assessment of applications by IMSA, distributed to the Individual Men’s Sheds in 2026.

“In addition to the above funding, the department also provides funding directly to the IMSA under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). The SSNO provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration of the SSNO commenced on 1 July 2026, with funding of €297,766 over the three-years and 6-month period being provided to the IMSA.

“In addition to the funding it provides to Men’s Sheds through the IMSA, the Department provides a range of supports which are available to individual Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and the ICA.

“These supports include: The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP); The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 – 2028; and The LEADER programme.

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