Irish Men’s Sheds Association to Launch Strategic Plan 2026–2030 National roadmap, 22 June
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) will officially launch its Strategic Plan 2026–2030 on Monday, 22 June 2026 at Tullow Men’s Shed, Co. Carlow.
The Strategic Plan will be formally launched by Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, who will join representatives from Government Departments, the HSE, local authorities, community organisations, elected representatives, strategic partners and Men’s Shed members from across Ireland to mark the occasion.
The launch represents a significant milestone for the Irish Men’s Sheds Association and the wider Men’s Shed movement, which has become one of Ireland’s most successful community-based responses to social isolation, loneliness and the challenges facing men’s health and wellbeing.
Developed through an extensive consultation process involving Men’s Shed members, volunteers, county volunteers, staff, board members, statutory agencies and partner organisations, the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 sets out a clear vision for the future development of the movement and the supports required to ensure Men’s Sheds continue to thrive in communities throughout Ireland.
Today, more than 450 Men’s Sheds operate across the country, providing welcoming spaces where men can connect with others, share skills, contribute to their communities and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. While every shed is unique, all share a common purpose: creating opportunities for friendship, purpose and belonging.
The Strategic Plan is guided by four key strategic priorities that will shape the work of the Association over the coming years:
Sustaining the Men’s Sheds Movement – Supporting the long-term sustainability of sheds through stronger governance, volunteer development, membership growth, financial resilience and enhanced supports for sheds across Ireland.
Developing a Stronger Association – Strengthening the IMSA as a national organisation through improved governance, sustainable funding, increased advocacy, stronger partnerships and expanded support services.
Advancing Men’s Health and Well-being – Building on the success of initiatives such as Sheds for Life and expanding programmes that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and social connectedness for men throughout Ireland.
Amplifying UN Sustainable Development Goals at the Heart of Sheds – Supporting sheds to continue leading by example in sustainability, environmental stewardship and community action while contributing to national and global sustainability objectives.
Speaking ahead of the launch, IMSA Chief Executive Officer Enda Egan said:
"Men's Sheds have become an essential part of the social fabric of communities throughout Ireland. Every day, sheds provide friendship, purpose, support and a sense of belonging to thousands of men. This Strategic Plan sets out how we will build on that success, ensuring that Men's Sheds continue to evolve, grow and meet the changing needs of our members and communities."
National Operations Manager Maurice O’Driscoll said:
"This plan is about creating a stronger future for Men's Sheds and the men they support. It recognises the extraordinary contribution that sheds make in tackling isolation, improving wellbeing, sharing skills and strengthening communities. Our focus now is on delivering meaningful action that supports sheds to thrive and ensures more men can benefit from what the movement has to offer."
The launch event will bring together stakeholders from across the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, including Ministers, TDs, Senators, local councillors, representatives of Government Departments, the HSE, local authorities, national partner organisations and Men’s Shed members from every region of the country.
Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD will be the keynote speaker at the event and will officially launch the Strategic Plan, recognising the significant contribution that Men’s Sheds make to public health, community wellbeing and social inclusion throughout Ireland.
As the movement continues to evolve, the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 provides a clear framework for ensuring that Men’s Sheds remain inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the needs of current and future generations of members. It also reaffirms the Association’s mission to support, advocate and promote Men’s Sheds across the island of Ireland, enhancing wellbeing and building stronger and more sustainable communities.
About the Irish Men’s Sheds Association
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) is the national organisation supporting and advocating on behalf of Men’s Sheds throughout Ireland. Established in 2011, the Association provides governance support, advocacy, health and wellbeing programmes, training, information and development services to a network of more than 450 Men’s Sheds nationwide.