‘A place to call our own’ – Men’s Shed in Meath secures planning approval for new home
A Men’s Shed in Meath is set to finally have a place to call home.
Kells Men’s Shed has been granted planning permission for a new development that will provide modern facilities for its members and strengthen its role as a hub for the local community.
The approved plans include the construction of two adjacent single-storey buildings, each measuring 12.2 metres by 8 metres, alongside a modular cabin of 12.2 metres by 3.6 metres.
These new spaces will feature a recreation area, kitchenette, WC facilities and a dedicated woodwork workshop.
To support members and visitors, the development will also provide bicycle and car parking.
The project marks a major step forward for the Men’s Shed movement in the area.
Men’s Sheds across Ireland have been providing welcoming spaces where people can share skills, take part in activities and build connections.
Founder of Kells Men’s Shed, Seamus McDonagh, welcomed the planning approval.
“It’s fantastic news that the planning permission was granted. The whole process has been well received by the community — there wasn’t one objection,” he said.
Mr McDonagh, who founded the group in 2005, described creating the Shed as the “best thing” he’s ever done.
“A lot of men have come up to me to say that the Shed saved their life. I founded it after I retired and was bored, and to this day, it’s still the best thing I’ve ever done.”
The Kells Men’s Shed currently has 25 members. They run woodwork workshops, teach Gaelic, and organise regular activities.
“A lot of people in Kells are retired. It’s amazing that we’ve built a community for ourselves,” Mr McDonagh said.
“We also go for walks together — and because of that, we might live a few years longer,” he joked.
The addition of a purpose-built woodwork workshop will allow members to continue traditional crafts while also developing new skills.
Meanwhile, the recreation area and kitchenette will provide a social space not just for members, but for other community groups in the area.
The group is now set to organise a fundraiser to help cover the costs of building and ensure the new facilities can be fully realised for the benefit of the community.
The new facilities will be located at Riverside, Townparks, Kells, Co. Meath.