The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced funding to support almost 500 Women’s Groups nationwide.
Under the initiative, small grants are being provided to assist groups in every single county to enhance/improve their facilities and to purchase equipment.
The groups that are receiving funding include Women’s and Hen’s Sheds, Camogie and GAA Clubs, ICA Groups, Toddler Groups, Girl Guides and more.
Minister Humphreys made the announcement during a visit to the Trim Women’s Shed in County Meath. The group was allocated €2,500 today under the initiative.
Speaking in Trim, Minister Humphreys said:
“I am delighted to announce the successful projects today for Women’s Sheds, Groups and Networks throughout the country. These groups are working tirelessly within communities to provide both young and old with an outlet to socialise, upskill, relax and so much more.
“I am constantly amazed by the work, community spirit and ethos of the many, many groups that give so much of their time to enhance and improve their communities. I want you to know that I see what you do and I hope that through these grants my Department can help.”
Some examples of the Women’s Groups and projects funded from this ring-fenced funding are as follows:
- Fern Celtic Women’s Soccer Club, Co. Clare: €5,000
- St Barbara’s Girl Guides, Cork City: €1,000
- Donegal Women in Business Network, Letterkenny Co. Donegal: €1,000
- Bluebell Sister Shed, Dublin City: €2,180
- Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo, Inis Mór: €1,500
- Tuam Women’s Shed, Co. Galway: €1,700
- Cillard Camogie Club, Causeway Co.Kerry: €2,120
- Nore Dragon Paddlers, Kilkenny City: €2,500
- Timahoe Ladie’s Football Club, Co. Laois: €2,355
- Ballysaggart Ladies Football Club, Lismore Co. Waterford: €4,147.98
Minister Humphreys added:
“The grants today may be small in value but to the successful groups they are invaluable – they can open up so many possibilities for so many people. I will continue to engage with the communities of Ireland to see how my Department can continue to support you going forward.
“I would encourage all groups out there to check out www.gov.ie/drcd and see if you too can benefit from some of my Department’s programmes.”
The funding is being delivered as part of The Local Enhancement Programme 2024.
This programme allocated €6 million in capital supports for community groups and organisations around Ireland, with funding of €1 million being ring-fenced for women’s groups.
Information garnered from distributing these supports will help the Department to get a better idea of the spread of Women’s Sheds, Groups and Networks across the country. This will inform the Department on how to best support these groups in the future.
This funding adds to the €100,000 which was ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the Community Enhancement Programme 2022.