Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

Rosslare reveals transformation plans

[ July 9, 2020   //   Chris ]

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Railways – IE) is to apply for planning permission for a major transformation of its port of Rosslare in southern Ireland.
Rosslare Europort will see over €30 million invested over the next five years including a reconfiguration of the port along with new facilities and infrastructure. One berth will be extended and a second double linkspan will be built to accommodate larger vessels.
IE also promises a substantial increase in trailer, container, trade car, bulk and general cargo storage at the port and a full digitisation programme.
The development will be completed over a number of phases over a five year timeframe to enable the port continue to operate all services and activity during construction.
Rosslare Europort is Ireland’s closest port to the UK and mainland Europe with regular services to the UK, France and Spain.
Other developments include construction of the New N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road by TII and Wexford Co Council, development of the Rosslare Europort Business Park by the Dutch company XELLZ targeting the future offshore wind market and construction of facilities to meet all customs and Brexit requirements for state agencies at the port. Rosslare will be the only port outside Dublin with a Border Inspection Post.
The combined developments will see the largest ever investment in the port and surrounding area and will position Rosslare Europort to become the leading gateway for the country to the UK and Europe.
The port’s general manager Glenn Carr said: “These are probably the most exciting times that the port has ever seen with transformational developments planned over the next few years. We will be making significant investment demonstrating our commitment and drive to grow Rosslare Europort and ensuring that we maximise its full potential both for the region and the overall country.
“While we will have challenges in dealing with the current Covid and Brexit situation, I am extremely optimistic with the plans we now have in place for the development of the port and growing of the business well into the future, building on new business from Brittany Ferries earlier this year.
“We also welcome the additional substantial investments that are being made with the new port access road by TII and Wexford Co Council, the new Brexit facilities for state agencies and the exciting proposed Rosslare Business Park Zone by XELLZ; All of these development along with our masterplan will greatly benefit not just the port but also the economic development of the region.
“I also strongly believe that Rosslare Europort is now the best positioned port to be the Offshore Wind Energy hub for Ireland in the future. No other port in the Republic has the potential land, capacity and connectivity available that is required, and I look forward to working with all of the key stakeholders in securing the support and investment needed to secure the delivery of this vital development for the country.”
XELLZ said it has acquired 100,000sq m of land to add to its existing 200,000sq m and had also progressed plans to create a Free Zone at Rosslare Europort and the Europort Business Park.
It would give companies who locate there the ability to operate and install offshore wind farms and the zone would help ease the flow of goods and keep projects moving.
Through its offshore services subsidiary 24shore SBS (Supply Base Services) and XELLZ Ireland, XELLZ will establish an offshore wind supply base to serve and support future offshore wind farms. It would offer ample storage and assembly areas to manage the wind turbines, transition pieces and mobilisation equipment and there will be areas for companies providing maintenance, operational, and repair services to the renewable energy market. The space will also house a new training facility for the renewable industry.