As Minister for Defence, I am pleased to report that my Department has a continuing programme of sail training operated under a performance delivery agreement with Sail Training Ireland, a registered charity. Since 2023, my Department has paid a subvention totalling €150,000 to Sail Training Ireland, with €50,000 coming from the Dormant Account Fund. As such, there is an existing State supported sail training programme.
With regard to a national sail training vessel, in 2022 my Department engaged with Atlantic Youth Trust regarding their proposals for the purchase and development of a training vessel. The proposals submitted by them were not sufficiently developed and, in particular, did not have confirmed details of the total cost of the retrofit or an exact timeframe for the completion of the work. In view of this uncertainty, a decision was made to not provide any funding in relation to the scoping, purchase or retrofit of the vessel as the business, however my Department was willing to explore the possibility of using the vessel in principle, subject to all necessary certifications. I am advised that the vessel did not prove to be viable and Atlantic Trust not subsequently progress the project.
In 2025, Sail Training Ireland operated thirty-two voyages, with almost 500 trainees from across Ireland. A key condition of the funding is that it is directed towards making sail training accessible to those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to participate. As such, 83% of the 2025 participants received funding from the charity due to their personal circumstances, and three of the 2025 voyages were dedicated entirely to those with a disability. I am committed to this programme, which is operating very successfully, and funding will continue in 2026.
This sail training initiative was a project that was taken on by the Department of Defence under Minister Coveney’s leadership. Any decision on a broader national sail training project or vessel would be a matter for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
