Coosan and Moate men's sheds benefit from grant funding announcement
Seventeen men's sheds across Longford and Westmeath - including those in Coosan, Moate and Ballymore - have been awarded grants from the Government to assist with their day-to-day running costs.
The funding of up to €3,000 for each men's shed was announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department, and has been distributed through the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
Coosan Men's Shed has been awarded the maximum funding of €3,000, with Moate Men's Shed granted €1,982, and €1,884 allocated to Ballymore Men's Shed. Kilbeggan Men's Shed, meanwhile, received €2,659.
Athlone TD and Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran welcomed the allocation of funding to men's sheds across Longford and Westmeath, describing it as a "practical and meaningful investment" in community wellbeing.
"This funding is hugely important in sustaining the day-to-day operation of Men’s Sheds across Longford and Westmeath," said 'Boxer'.
"These grants will go directly towards essential costs such as heating, electricity and insurance - ensuring that these vital community spaces can continue to operate and grow.
"Men's Sheds play an invaluable role in tackling social isolation, promoting mental wellbeing, and fostering a strong sense of community, particularly in rural areas. The work being done on the ground by volunteers in each of these sheds cannot be overstated."
The funding formed part of a national allocation supporting 369 men's sheds across Ireland.
The full list of men's sheds supported across Longford and Westmeath is as follows.
- Ballymore – €1,884.00
- Castlepollard – €2,967.64
- Collinstown Fore – €3,000.00
- Coosan – €3,000.00
- Delvin – €430.57
- Granard – €2,856.17
- Kilbeggan – €2,659.93
- Killucan – €1,655.56
- Killoe – €2,921.70
- Longford – €3,000.00
- Moate – €1,982.59
- Mullingar – €1,186.24
- Multyfarnham – €3,000.00
- Mostrim – €1,508.04
- North Longford – €500.00
- Rochfortbridge – €1,199.77
- Streete – €2,350.00