Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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12. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions his Department has had with regards to the development of a free zone area at Rosslare Europort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20815/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand from Rosslare Europort that the idea of a free zone is still at an early concept stage. The Port’s current focus and energy is on progressing its plans for developing Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) facilities through planning and financing to construction. As outlined to the Deputy when she raised the issue previously, no formal proposal from Rosslare Europort or any other party has been received setting out the business case for such a designation.

Any formal request would have to have a comprehensive business case setting out the analysis of the benefits, if any, of any such proposal. Developing a free zone at Rosslare would fall within the broad area of industrial policy. It would require liaison between my department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance.

My department is happy to liaise with Rosslare Europort in relation to any business proposal they submit for a free zone designation at the port and to examine what would be involved in such a designation, its potential merits, and risks, after which the relevant departments could examine the issue.

My department will continue to work with Rosslare Europort as it progresses with its plans for port infrastructure for serving the ORE sector. In addition, I welcome the Government approval that was secured on 25 April, awarding a tender to upgrade facilities to provide permanent Brexit infrastructure at Rosslare to ensure compliance with EU legislation, thereby providing protection for the EU single market and facilitating the continuing growth of the port.