Fingal LCDC approves funding for nine Men’s Shed Groups across the region

October 22, 2018 ADMIN

Funding
News

Fingal’s Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has approved the allocation of €16,000 to local Men’s Shed groups which will fund either the purchase of new equipment or small scale capital projects. Nine Men’s Shed Groups across the region will each receive €1,771.33 under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which has been announced by the Department of Rural & Community Development.

The groups to receive funding approval are based in Swords, Mulhuddart, Donabate/Portrane, Skerries, Rush, Balbriggan, Baldoyle and District, Fingal Vintage Society and Portmarnock and District.

Additional funding of €8 million for the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which supports disadvantaged communities throughout the country by providing capital grants to community groups has been announced, with a total of €500,000 awarded to Men’s Shed groups across the country.

The application process for the CEP is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The Fingal LCDC consists of 19 members and includes three councillors among a broad representation of public and private interests including the business, local development, education, enterprise, agriculture, voluntary sectors.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said: “The Community Enhancement Programme supports a range of investment in all areas of communities, such as childcare groups, playgrounds, recreational groups, sports grounds, landscaping, and the elderly.

“The emergence of the Men’s Sheds in recent years has been an extremely positive development for communities across Ireland and I have decided to introduce this funding in recognition of the wonderful contribution they make at a local level.”

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin said: “I am delighted to see this funding approved for the nine Men’s Shed groups, which provide wonderful support, and a valuable outlet, to their members.”

Declan Ryan, Chief Officer of the Fingal LCDC, said: “We are delighted with this additional funding which will allow the local groups purchase new equipment or fund small scale capital projects. Men’s Sheds offer a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where men of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.”