By Dan Walsh
This week, County Wexford hosted the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee (TRAN) for discussions on transport infrastructure and offshore renewable energy in Ireland and Europe.
The visit on Tuesday was hosted by County Wexford Chamber and spanned several strategic sites across Rosslare and Wexford Town.
The delegation was led by Chair Dariusz Joński MEP and included Members of the European Parliament from Ireland (Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Nina Carberry), Poland (Dariusz Joński and Maciej Wąsik), Hungary (Annamaria Vicsek), Germany (Siegbert Droese), and Denmark (Asger Christensen). The visit was further supported by George Lawlor TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, and the Cathaoirligh and Leas-Cathaoirligh of Municipal Districts from across County Wexford.
The visit began with a private tour of Roche Logistics Group in Rosslare, hosted by Managing Director Damien Roche, with opening remarks from Dariusz Joński MEP, chairperson of TRAN.
At Rosslare Europort, Irish Rail’s Director of Commercial Business Units, Glenn Carr, and his team outlined the port’s impressive transformation to date, clearly demonstrating the impact of the €150 million received through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).
Mr Carr also shared ambitious plans for a further €220 million investment from the Irish Government, which would enable the development of a dedicated Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) hub. This is a critical asset in meeting Ireland’s target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving 5GW of offshore wind capacity.
Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Roads & Transport at Wexford County Council, highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in the region’s strategic road network:
- €400 million investment delivered the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass in 2019
- €230 million funded the New Ross bypass, opened in 2020
- Wexford County Council is confident of securing a further €400–500 million from the €200 billion National Development Plan to complete the critical N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour bypass – vital for the long-term success of Rosslare Europort and for strengthening the broader transport and logistics network.
The event was also addressed by Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, and Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. The session also included an open floor Q&A led by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, inviting dialogue between European delegates and Irish stakeholders.
The event was supported by over 60 industry representatives, including Irish Rail, MARA, Irish Road Haulage Association, Irish Farmers’ Association, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Roche Freight, Nolan Transport, Perennial Freight, Breen Transport, Baku GLS, DPD, Danone, Sulzer, Wexford Bus, Midland Tyre Services, CustomsAgent.ie, Waterford Airport, and Waterford Port.
The day concluded with a networking lunch at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, where guests enjoyed a showcase of local food excellence from Mór Taste, Slaney Farms, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates, Killowen Farm, Wexford Home Preserves, and Greenhill Fruit Farm.
Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber,told WexfordLocal.com: “This visit was a powerful moment for County Wexford, reflecting our region’s importance to Europe’s transport and sustainability goals. From EU funding through BAR to national investment in infrastructure, we are seeing real results. We were honoured to welcome the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee and show the potential Wexford has to offer,” concluded Ms. Roche.
WexfordLocal.com 