A new fund of €100,000 has been launched to support Women’s Sheds through the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The initiative, the first of its kind, is in recognition of the fact that there is a growing number of Women’s Sheds across the country.

Grants which will be in the region of €1,000 - €2,000 and may be used to assist Women’s Sheds to expand within their communities, to run activities or to help with the running costs such as insurance or rental costs.

Announcing the new Women’s Sheds initiative, Minister Humphreys said “I passionately want to support our Women’s Sheds to grow …. my message is clear – if you are part of a Women’s Shed, please get in touch with my department because I want to support the fantastic work that you do.”

Mary Laffan, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Development added that Women’s Sheds across the Ballyhoura provide an important role in bringing women together and providing spaces for socialising and working together on local projects.

Women’s Shed groups interested in availing of funding should get in touch with the Department of Rural and Community Development via [email protected]