Minister for Children launches sailing boat restored by boys and staff in Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre
9 April 2008
Malahide Marina
Mr Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Children, today launched ‘Charge Sheet’, a Dublin Bay Mermaid sailing boat, which was restored and renamed by the boys and staff at the Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre.
‘I am delighted to launch this boat, the restoration of which was a joint initiative between the Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre and the Irish Youth Justice Service, who provided funding for the project’ stated Minister Smith. The Minister noted that Fingal Sailing Club provided assistance with crew training and with the restoration of the boat, which is over fifty years old.
‘This launch, and the great work done in the lead up to this event is an example of a positive outcome brought about by a mixture of commitment, hard work, passion and persistence’ added the Minister.
This project was awarded a prize in its category at the Children Acts Advisory Board ‘Awards for Services to Children and Young People’, which was launched by the Minister for Children at Croke Park on February 14th last.
‘The launch is only the beginning of a much bigger project, as the boys are preparing to sail ‘Charge Sheet’ from Wicklow to the Port Docks in Dublin. Later in the year, they will navigate and sail ‘Charge Sheet’ in the Mermaid Regatta in Rush’ concluded Minister Smith.
Ends.
