Wexford Men’s Shed members visit to European parliament
A delegation from Wexford Men’s Shed enjoyed a visit to Brussels recently.
The group were part of a delegation of representatives from Men’s Sheds across the country to mark the Men’s Shed movement’s nomination for a European Citizens Prize.
While at the EU Parliament the Wexford group who were joined by Cllr Mick Roche from Bridgetown met with Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ní Riada who hosted the delegation and pledged her support to the group.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate the Men’s Sheds movement on the well deserved nomination,’ she said.
‘For years Men’s Sheds have been quietly providing an invaluable service to communities across the country and it is long past time that service was recognised.
‘I have been a long time supporter of Men’s Sheds, having visited several of them across my own constituency and I have never failed to be impressed by the incredible work they do, especially considering the meagre government support they are given.
‘ That’s why I felt it was important to bring this delegation out here so that representatives from the movement themselves could explain directly to EU and Irish Government officials the hugely important work they do and the support they need to keep doing it.
‘Men’s Sheds are facing a number of issues threatening their survival, including a lack of facilities and greedy insurance companies holding them to ransom with outrageous premiums.
‘ These are all issues that local and national government can help with.’
She went on to say that ‘ local councils could row in behind the men’s shed movement simply by providing disused council land or buildings for the sheds. This would be an inexpensive way of helping to provide a priceless service to local communities.’