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After three long months of lockdown, some men’s sheds are beginning to reopen in accordance with public health advice. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has distributed reopening guidelines to all sheds in Ireland.
Dundalk Men’s Shed is one of those reopening on a socially distanced basis, as it aims to keeps its members as safe as possible while easing the loneliness of lockdown.
“The safety of our members is our main priority,” says shed chair Peter O’Neill. “We’ve been working closely with the IMSA on the reopening and without their support we couldn’t have managed it.
“We have circulated the IMSA guidelines to all our members. A video has also been circulated and I feel confident that people will follow this very good advice,” Peter says.
Shed treasurer Brian Byrne explains how the shed has been adapted in accordance with public health advice on minimising the risk of infection.“We have installed new seat and floor coverings,” he says, “hand sanitisers and new lighting have been installed, face shields will be provided for members, and numbers will be restricted until further notice. Kitchen facilities will be restricted in accordance with the IMSA guidelines.”
Nobody wants to see a spike in COVID-19 cases which would force everything to be restricted again
While acknowledging that shed members throughout Ireland are desperate to return to their sheds, Peter O’Neill is extremely conscious of the need to reopen as safely as possible, and not to push the limits of public health guidance.
“Nobody wants to see a spike in COVID-19 cases which would force everything to be restricted again,” he says. “The only way we can remain open is for everybody to follow the guidelines.”
In accordance with IMSA guidelines, the shed workshop will remain closed for now. Peter acknowledges the support and guidance provided by IMSA national volunteer coordinator Eva Beirne, which was vital to the reopening proceeding as planned.
Peter is also keen to recognise the hard work of Thomas Grey, John Lally, Joe McCrink, Joe McGrath, John Freeman, Brendan Tuite and many others in getting the shed prepared for its limited reopening.
Sheds have also been reminded that no shed or shedder is under any pressure to return until they feel safe and comfortable in doing so
Across Ireland, sheds from Cahir to Blessington are reopening while strictly adhering to public health advice. For the time being, shedders will have to arrange their visits in advance, wear face coverings and refrain from using the shed workshop, amongst other measures. Strict social distancing is also being observed.
Sheds have also been reminded that no shed or shedder is under any pressure to return until they feel safe and comfortable in doing so.
It’s been a long, hard slog and it’s not over yet, but men’s sheds members have always known that our collective wellbeing is a vital component of our individual wellbeing. It’s that spirit that will get sheds and its members through.
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