Plans for a new deep-water port at Bremore Ireland in Co Meath have been announced.
Bremore Ireland Port will be the first new deepwater port development since the foundation of the State and is a joint venture between the Drogheda Port Company and Ronan Group Real Estate.
The project is expected to submit a planning application in the next three to four years, with the initial berths expected to be functional between 2028 and 2030, subject to planning decisions.
The companies behind the project say it will deliver new port capacity and advance the shift to a green energy economy.
The initial strategic focus of the Bremore Ireland Port will be on the offshore wind sector.
It is planned that the port will have purpose built infrastructure including specialised quays for wind turbine assembly and facilities for bulk, break-bulk and ferries.
It is also envisaged that Bremore Ireland Port will support Ireland's National Hydrogen Strategy objectives, as it will be equipped to convert offshore wind energy to green hydrogen energy.
A new "innovation district" in Co Meath is also part of the vision for the development.
Bremore Ireland Port said this would be designed to foster economic growth, facilitate research and development, develop a new university hub and provide new residential areas with essential community services.
The port is being designed by global architecture firm Henning Larsen and is located along the Dublin to Belfast economic corridor.
The project is set to present a detailed planning application by 2026 /2027, following public consultation.
It says that this consultation process will capture the views of the local community, and stakeholders over time to provide input and help shape the project's development.
Bremore Port Ireland says that economic and commercial forecasts carried out by Black Quay Maritime Consulting and EY suggest that market potential exists for it to become one of Ireland's largest ports.
It also has the potential to generate significant commercial and economic benefits for the local region and nationally.
"The regions of Meath, Louth and Dublin will benefit from the initial investment through job creation and apprenticeships. The development of new homes, community services, heritage and archaeological trails form part of the plan, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and providing a focal point for community activities. The port's development includes plans for improved transportation infrastructure, which will enhance overall connectivity", it said.
Chief Executive of Drogheda Port Company, Paul Fleming, said Bremore Ireland Port was set to become Ireland's leading deep-water energy port with world class facilities capable of assembling offshore wind turbines, producing green hydrogen and distributing eco friendly fuels in the first development phase.
He said that "paramount emphasis" has been placed on respecting the rich heritage, archaeological significance and environmental integrity of the Bremore region and that the announcement marks the start of the consultation process.
Rory Williams, CEO of Ronan Group Real Estate, said that a new purpose built port is imperative to benefit from the vast potential of offshore wind and for Ireland to achieve its renewable energy targets by 2050.
He said the initial €1 billion capital investment into the project will act as a catalyst for significant job creation in Meath, Louth and Dublin.
"As the port’s commercial activities increase, it will create many new local industries and businesses of the future", he said.
The plans were welcomed by Wind Energy Ireland.
Its CEO Noel Cunniffe said: "We simply don't have enough Irish ports to build the offshore wind farms we need to cut our carbon emissions and meet our 2030 targets.
"We need projects like Bremore Port to succeed to end our reliance on imported fossil fuels and to create thousands of jobs in Ireland’s growing renewable energy industry."
