Men’s and women’s sheds on the way
A public consultation meeting will take place in Enniscorthy in the coming weeks to discuss the possibility of establishing two new ‘shed’ initiatives in the east side of the town.
Men’s sheds and women’s sheds have become a brilliant success story across the country in recent years with the Men’s Shed movement, in particular, being at the forefront of the battle against people feeling isolated or alone.
In a report to members of the Enniscorthy local authority at their monthly meeting last week District Manager, Ger Mackey, outlined the nature of the shed plan to the councillors.
‘ The establishment of both community hubs will be the first steps in building a community development framework for the east of the town,’ said Mr Mackey in his report.
He also expressed hope that consultation can take place in the Templeshannon area of the town.
With regard to men’s and women’s sheds he said: ‘I think there is a need for that on the east side of the town.’
Cllr Jackser Owens welcomed the idea and said: ‘I would welcome it on the far side [of the river].’
Cllr John O’Rourke also welcomed the idea and said he put forward a suggestion before, at a prior meeting, that contact should be made with the Traveller group in Drumgoold and also the Board of Management in the Gaelscoil.
In response Mr Mackey said: ‘I have looked at it and we had a discussion with the people in Templeshannon Community Centre to operate the sheds from there.’
Mr Mackey also said that phase two of the plan might involve schools in that area.
‘I am concerned that we need to establish both sheds on that side of the town,’ he said.
Cllr O’Rourke then commented that there is a women’s group in place in Drumgoold Housing facility and Mr Mackey said he was aware of that group.
He also said the Traveller’s group is ‘more than welcome to join the men’s and women’s sheds’.