Work advancing to establish National Women’s Sheds Network – O’Shea

A plan to set up a national network of Women’s Sheds has moved a step closer, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy John Paul O’Shea, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, 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: “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 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.

“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.”