Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the significant increase in shipping services from Rosslare Europort direct to the Continent as a result of Brexit and to enhance Rosslare Europort’s trade competitiveness, Iarnród Éireann and Rosslare Europort have completed their strategic investment master plan for the port for the coming years. The master plan includes investment of €42 million over the period 2021 to 2026 in customer facilities, port infrastructure, freight facilities, port assets, new technology and linking the new entrance of the port with proposed new port access road. Additionally, to support the free flow of import and export trade through Rosslare Europort to Great Britain, there has been significant engagement, preparation and investment in the State agency facilities required in Rosslare. The Office of Public Works, OPW, constructed temporary customs, agriculture and health facilities in the lead-up to a possible no-deal Brexit in 2019. These facilities are located outside the port in Kilrane, which is located on the N25 on the approach to Rosslare town. These are intended as interim facilities pending the construction of permanent facilities within the port.

Rosslare Europort is unique among the State-owned ports as it is not a commercial company operating under the Harbours Act. Instead, it operates on a commercial basis as a division of Iarnród Éireann and all investments are funded from port revenues. The Department of Transport continues to liaise closely with other Departments and Government agencies, and with Rosslare Europort and Iarnród Éireann, in respect of the design and development of the permanent customs, agriculture and health facilities. In August, the OPW submitted a planning application to Wexford County Council of these proposed facilities. This investment, along with the master plan, will ensure that Rosslare Europort is fully capable of having in place the controls required by the UK becoming a third country and of meeting the needs of future shipping capacity growth. Rosslare Europort and Iarnród Éireann are working together with the OPW on the co-ordination of works required. The parallel plans will require close liaison to ensure that the port remains fully operational while construction works are ongoing.

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