Kildare-based Men's Shed 'nowhere to go' after operating for seven years

A Labour councillor has called on the council to support Maynooth Men's Shed in securing a new premises in Kildare.

Cllr Angela Feeney explained to members of the Clane Maynooth MD on Friday, October 3 that Maynooth Men's Shed has operated from a portacabin for the last seven years.

In that time, she said, they have carried out “fantastic work”, with the work they carry out for the community being “just amazing.”

This is a really vital service, said Cllr Feeney, who pointed to the benefits of the Men's Shed, from socialization for members to promoting positive mental health.

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“Sadly”, she explained, the site Maynooth Men's Shed have been operating from is now going to be developed, and as a result the men now have to vacate the site.

Cllr Feeney explained that the members were given a week to remove their workshop tools, that they are now without a workshop and are very restricted when it comes to undertaking any activities.

Cllr Feeney said she appreciated the response from the council, but it was “vital” for the Men's Shed to be able to continue to provide a valuable service to the local community.

Noting that members of Maynooth Men's Shed were present in the public gallery, Cllr Feeney said this clearly demonstrated how important the group is to them.

She added that it highlighted once again the “huge need” for a community centre for the town of Maynooth.

Because there is no community centre, she said, the Men's Shed simply had “nowhere to go.”

She urged the council to work towards finding a resolution to the problem, and pointed out the “huge loss” that would be suffered if the Men's Shed were left without a premises.

Supporting the motion, Cllr Tim Durkan (FG) suggested that Maynooth Fire Station may be an temporary solution to locate Maynooth Men's Shed, and said he fully supported the group and the work they have carried out around the town has been “well noted.”

Cllr Peter Melrose (SD) pointed out that Maynooth Men's Shed are the “unsung heroes” in terms of the “tangible” but “invisible” work they carry out around the town.

He said he would “love” to see the Men's Shed find a permanent home, and he hoped the council would take a “pro-active” approach to the issue.

A council official stated he “completely agreed” with what members were saying about the importance of Maynooth Men's Shed.

The official said he appreciated the urgency of the matter, and had someone working specifically on the issue.

He said he “hoped” to have an answer “by the end of the month or early November.”

A report from the council stated: “The Council is aware of the need in this matter and is exploring opportunities to support this community group as it seeks a new location.”