Five year future-proofing plan for Rosslare Europort

A major transformation is planned for Rosslare Europort that will see investment of more than €30m by Iarnród Éireann over the next five years.

Investment in the Masterplan will ensure that Rosslare is equipped with capacity, facilities and technology to underpin ‘major growth’ for the benefit of the region and the wider national economy, says the port authority.

Subject to planning permission, the port will be reconfigured to maximise growth and to support regional and national development. Significant new facilities and infrastructure are planned to develop the port ‘to its full potential’ as Ireland’s gateway to the UK and Europe, as a leading ‘sustainable, seamless and Smart’ port.

Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic and Brexit, Glenn Carr, general manager, Rosslare Europort, said he was “extremely optimistic” with the plans, which build on new business from Brittany Ferries earlier in the year:

“All of these developments 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. No other port in the Republic has the potential land, capacity and connectivity available that is required.”

Masterplan phases

Phase 1
Installation of a new perimeter access road and entrance at the roundabout; security fencing along the perimeter; new freight check-in area and a central spine access road.

Most of this phase can be developed without any impact on the existing port operations as construction is on the area adjoining the port. The only anticipated impact will be connection to the existing entrance roundabout and removal of some buildings along the perimeter, as well as some minor impact to the existing trailer storage area.

This phase will also include construction of the main service runs under the main access routes.

Phase 2
All paving areas from the new central spine road to the northern quay, including areas for bulk storage, export trailer area and trade car areas.

Phase 3
Alteration around the main loading and unloading areas at the berths, stretching from the terminal building to the berths in one direction, and from the new roundabout to Berth 1 in the other direction.

Phase 4
Areas for import trailer storage, upgrade to the passenger vehicle check-in and completion of the secure fencing.

Additional investment is also planned at the port and surround area during the five-year timeframe:

• 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 offshore wind market

• Construction of facilities to meet all customs and Brexit requirements for State agencies. Rosslare will be the only port outside of Dublin with the required Border Inspection Post.