26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
12 youths to experience sailing voyage first-hand from Wicklow to Wales
Funded through County Wicklow Partnership, Arklow Municipal District and SSE Renewables, the 'Celtic Tide' voyage is due to depart from Arklow Harbour on August 5, and returns on August 9. Expressions of interest were circulated to post-primary schools, Youthreach, local youth services and through the school completion programme, inviting young people aged between 14 and 17 years to indicate their interest so for the first time young people from Arklow can participate in the experience.
Cllr Peir Leonard said: 'This is a first for Arklow. The 'Celtic Tide' voyage aims to foster personal development; leadership skills; promote cultural exchange and international understanding; encourage environmental stewardship and an appreciation of the marine environment.
'The 12 young people aged between 14-17 years, selected to participate in this unique experience will learn about the impact of human activity on the oceans, and how to preserve and protect our coastal ecosystems.
'This hands-on experience will inspire a lifelong passion for ocean conservation and encourage participants to advocate for sustainable practices in their communities. I'm especially grateful to key people involved in the planning and delivery of 'Celtic Tide' including Fiona Creedon, County Wicklow youth officer, Jennifer Maher from Co. Wicklow Partnership and Sindy Offer from Sail Training Ireland.'
Sail Training Ireland will facilitate the planning and operational elements of the voyage.
Jennifer Maher, who works in social inclusion and community activation at County Wicklow Partnership, added: stated: 'This offers young people an opportunity to engage in structured, inclusive activities that promote personal growth, informal learning, and skills development. By participating, they can enhance their educational outcomes and explore pathways to further education and employment, aligning with SICAP's mission to empower individuals and foster social inclusion.'
Community engagement manager on SSE's Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 offshore project Deirdre Keogh commented: 'SSE Renewables is delighted to come on board as a key contributing sponsor of the upcoming 'Celtic Tide' youth sail training voyage.
"The sponsorship request matched several of our key funding criteria including projects that are engaged in enjoying or preserving the marine environment and its local heritage, youth skills' development, sustainability learning, and social inclusion.'
