Kildare MEP highlights importance of Men's and Women's Sheds in the county

Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, Kildare MEP Nina Carberry highlighted the important role that Men’s and Women’s Sheds play through building stronger and more connected communities.

Carberry praised the Men’s Shed movement, which was awarded the European Citizens’ Prize seven years ago.

The MEP for Kildare also welcomed the increase in participation of Women’s Sheds in recent years, saying that “thousands of members across the country are now taking part in activities each week, ranging from gardening to creative arts, woodwork, and vehicle repair.”

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Speaking after the debate, Carberry commended the 15 Men’s Sheds that are active across County Kildare and the growing network of the Women’s Sheds in the county.

She called for “continued access to rural development funding and the LEADER programme as part of the next EU budget to ensure that sheds can benefit from EU funds which can top up national schemes.”

Carberry also pointed to the EU Skills Agenda, saying that it is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and support informal learning that takes place in sheds.

“At a time when Europe is facing a severe skills shortage in many sectors, sheds are quietly doing remarkable work by passing on traditional trades and practical know-how.”

Concluding, Carberry described the Men’s and Women’s Sheds model as a powerful example of local community activism, and noted that the EU should explore ways to expand this model across the continent.