Overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Limerick tops concerns of Men’s Shed members

Concern also over crime and homelessness in the city centre

Sean Dalton spoke recently to Limerick Live. His specific ask of the new Government is to continue funding Men’s Sheds, which exist to provide a space where men can come together to learn, share skills and make long-lasting friendships.

“There are almost 400 Men’s Sheds in Ireland now. For the last two or three years, we have been getting a small amount of funding – around €3,000 – which helps to run the Shed. This Shed here costs around €12,000 a year to run. Were it not for some fundraising events we do, we wouldn’t be able to run it. But the funding we have been getting to help to alleviate heating costs, security costs and other costs – what we are hearing is this funding is not guaranteed from now on. We’d need to apply for funding. If we get it, we get it, if we don’t, we don’t,” he explains.

Sean believes this could force many more rural Men’s Sheds into closing down. “There are Men’s Sheds in small villages and towns. They are a place for guys to go. The shops are gone, the post offices are gone. The pub is a no go, because of the cost and the laws around drink driving. This funding is vital. The social dividend is enormous. The fellowship we have here is incredible.”

Thanks to Limerick Live for the article and Nick Rabitts and Adrian Butler for words and pictures.