Up to 2,000 jobs could be created in the South East region with the announcement by Rosslare Europort of an Offshore Wind Hub Plan.
The company outlined its vision for the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) hub at a seminar in the Terminal Building today.
Stakeholders and government representatives, including Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne, were present for the event at the Port.
Rosslare Europort says the plan represents an investment estimated at €200 million, and will be aligned with existing developments.
What will the ORE involve
The ORE will involve significant works, which include a purpose-built quay and berth, quayside storage and pre-construction, a navigable channel dredged down to a minimum of nine metres depth, and a Management Control Centre with management offices and facilities.
Tying in with existing developments
Existing developments include the Rosslare Europort Masterplan, which will include new freight and passenger facilities, storage, export and import facilities, and berth extension. A digitalisation of systems and operations is also planned which the company says will deliver a better, more effective and more efficient Port.
The Office of Public Works also intends to develop a permanent Border Control Post within the port.
It's hoped the creation of the N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road will ensure a better experience for port users and enhance quality of life for those living and working in the area, by taking trucks out of the village and improving connectivity.
In total, these developments and the ORE Hub plan will see a total of €350 million invested in the port and its environs.
Why Rosslare Europort
Skakeholders say Ireland represents one of the best ORE resources in Europe, with a sea area of 490,000sq kms, and that Rosslare Europort is "ideally positioned" to serve the many Offshore Wind developments planned in the Irish and Celtic seas, the majority of which are located within 100 nautical miles of Rosslare.
The national Climate Action Plan targets five gigawatts from ORE by the end of 2030, and Rosslare says it has unmatchable advantages to support this, being located within 60 nautical miles of most of the planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas.
ORE progress so far
Rosslare Europort says it is already working to be Ireland’s ORE hub, having appointed consultants for planning and financing the project.
An application has been submitted to the EU Connecting Europe Facility for 50% co-funding for the studies and designs for planning. This application has been supported by Government, local authorities of the South East, Business Chambers, IBEC, Waterford Port and the Offshore Industry.
Discussions have also taken place regarding a potential start up facility that could be available from late 2023 at Fisherman’s Quay in the port on a limited basis. This would offer the industry some port capacity while the transition to the main facility is completed.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said “Rosslare Europort has been to the forefront of our national response to some of the most critical issues we have faced in recent times. Working with State Agencies, Rosslare prepared for and responded to Brexit, transforming our direct connections to the continent of Europe. In recent weeks, we have ensured the rapid and successful establishment of reception facilities for Ukrainian refugees arriving to our shores. Now, as we face the urgent need for decarbonisation and to ensure energy security, the board and management of Iarnród Éireann fully supports the ambitions of Rosslare Europort to be Ireland’s ORE hub.”
Glenn Carr, General Manager, Rosslare Europort said “we have engaged extensively at European, national and regional level to understand the needs of the ORE industry. It is clear that not only is Rosslare Europort uniquely placed to support the development of the industry, but that this development can be a transformative one for the South-East region."
Why the South-East?
Rosslare Europort says the South East is the most connected region in Ireland, being home to two of Ireland’s most strategically located and complementary ports – Rosslare Europort and the Port of Waterford with a good road and rail network to Dublin.
Port of Waterford has joined with Rosslare Europort to support the Rosslare ORE Hub ambition.
Meanwhile Port of Waterford welcomed The Maud yesterday, the first cruise ship of the season. More here.
