By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Europort’s Port Authority, Iarnród Éireann, has begun a non-statutory consultation on the provision of on Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub at Rosslare Europort.
A public engagement evening will be held for members of the public at Rosslare Europort on Thursday, May 30th from 3pm to 8pm. The public consultation period will run until June 23rd.
Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Glenn Carr said; “This is an important milestone for the development of Rosslare Europort. The ORE hub will play a pivotal role in providing the necessary infrastructure for the growth of the Offshore Renewable Energy Industry and will provide skilled jobs for the people of the South-East.”
Ireland’s strategic location in Europe, with a sea area of 490,000 square kilometres makes it one of the best ORE resources. With several significant offshore wind projects planned nationally, Rosslare Europort is ideally positioned within 50 to 100 nautical miles of several planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas.
At Rosslare Europort, port access and key infrastructure can be provided to serve the different stages of offshore wind projects, including marshalling, assembly, staging, and load-out of key components, as well as the ongoing operation, maintenance, and crew transfers that will take place when the industry is up and running. This will create diverse jobs, from skilled technicians and engineers to administrative and support staff, providing sustainable and inclusive economic growth for the region.
The proposed plans for the ORE Hub at Rosslare Europort will include the expansion of the existing site and the upgrading of existing port infrastructure to facilitate and accommodate the construction and operation of offshore wind farms. The proposed works will include:
- Circa 20 hectares of land reclamation; A new lift berth to accommodate ORE vessels.
- A second berth capable of handling Roll-On Roll-Off activities and Load-On Load-Off of components; Dredging of an approach channel.
- A new ‘small boat’ harbour with enhanced access: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) facilities to include warehousing, offices and parking.
- Potential future accommodation of a rail spur connection to site; New access road to small boat harbour and site access to the ORE facility.
Rosslare Europort has been working with specialist ORE experts and advisors on feasibility and concept designs. Further improvements to the initial designs have been completed and will be presented to stakeholders during this public consultation period.
Following this period of consultation, the project design will be finalised. A planning application is expected to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in late 2024. Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2025 or early 2026. Details can be viewed at www.rosslareorehub.ie
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