LATEST: Tipperary Men's Shed debacle raised in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday

The future of Nenagh Men’s Shed was raised in the Dáil this afternoon by local TD Ryan O’Meara. The Fianna Fáil TD raised the worrying prospect of Nenagh Men’s Shed having to cease operations due to unsustainable running costs and called for the establishment of municipally provided community spaces for voluntary groups in the town.

Raising this issue in the Dáil today with Minister Mary Butler, Deputy O’Meara said: “I wish to raise the need in our society for greater supports for men’s and women’s sheds. These are incredibly important organisations in all our communities. They provide a social outlet for individuals from all walks of life, particularly people who are living alone and at risk of social isolation and mental health difficulties.”

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“Nenagh Men’s Shed is looking at having to cease operations due to unsustainable running costs, including rent, insurance, and electricity. Nenagh Men’s Shed have approached Irish Rail, the HSE and the Department of Defence to try and secure just one twentieth of an acre for a cabin to operate out of, but to no avail.

“The lack of community spaces for voluntary organisations such as Nenagh Men’s Shed in Nenagh has resulted in this group paying over €1,000 per month in rent for a small space. I would ask that we look at supporting our Local Authorities to establish municipally provided spaces for voluntary groups such as Nenagh Men’s Shed at affordable rates.”

In response to Deputy O’Meara’s intervention on behalf of Nenagh Men’s Shed, Minister Butler recognised the important role of Men’s Sheds, and she provided a commitment to liaise with Deputy O’Meara on the matter and to further examine Nenagh Men’s Shed’s current situation.