Work Advancing to Establish National Women’s Sheds Network

Oireachtas chair calls for funding in Budget to support our sheds

A plan to set up a national network of Women’s Sheds has moved a step closer, according to the chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee for Rural Affairs, John Paul O’Shea.

Deputy O’Shea has confirmed that a series of meetings have taken place between the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Health with the view to establishing a standalone network for women sheds.

In a parliamentary response to Deputy O’Shea, Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary confirmed that following these discussions, a “number of options are under consideration” to deliver a Women’s Sheds Network.

Speaking today, Deputy O’Shea said “Right across the country, our Men’s Sheds play a vital role in tackling isolation and providing a social outlet for so many. That’s why the previous Government took the first steps in developing plans for a women’s shed network. I am very pleased that Minister Calleary and his officials are working hard to to deliver this initiative, which is now at an advanced stage. I have seen in my own constituency of Cork North West the positive role that our Sheds play each and every day”.

Deputy O’Shea added “With the Budget now just weeks away, I believe this is an ideal opportunity to provide ringfenced funding to support our women’s sheds. Our sheds will play an even more important role in the winter months when the days get darker and shorter and loneliness can set in. As chairperson of the Oireachtas committee on social protection and rural affairs, I intend to invite our Shed representatives in to discuss how we can work together to deliver on a Women’s Shed network.”

PQ Deputy John Paul O’Shea put to Minister Dara Calleary

To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the setting up of a National Women’s Sheds Network similar to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association; if he will provide funding similar to the Men’s Sheds to the Women’s Sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

I am very aware of the growing interest in Women’s Sheds in Ireland, and of the great work they do all over the country. They provide a space for women of all ages to come together on a regular basis in a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment.

However, as Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under an overall national organisation, my department is unable to provide funding to Women’s Sheds similar to the funding provided to Men’s Sheds via the Irish Men’s Shed Association.  

I am committed to providing any support I can, for the development of a national governing body for Women’s Sheds to ensure that individual Women’s Sheds can benefit from having a strong national representative body to advocate on their behalf. To this end a number of meetings have taken place between representatives of women’s sheds and officials from my Department and colleagues from the Department of Health.

The most recent meeting focused on how the National Forum of Women’s Sheds might be supported in setting up a national organisation. The meetings were positive, and I commend the work the National Forum of Women’s Shed have done to date, which shows their commitment to this matter.  Following these discussions a number of options are now under consideration.

I would encourage all Women’s Sheds to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd , and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of relevant funding opportunities as they become available.