Iarnród Éireann has confirmed it is to seek planning permission for a major transformation of Rosslare Europort in Co Wexford.
The plans propose an almost doubling in size of the existing port and the construction of a landmark facility that will allow for the development of Ireland's offshore wind energy industry.
The project will also deepen the access channel to the port and create additional port capacity, meaning larger vessels will be able to call to Rosslare that cannot currently.
Iarnród Éireann, the port authority for Rosslare Europort, has said the €220 million development will support the country in achieving its renewable energy targets, creating 2,000 long-term jobs for the southeast region in the process.
The facility will allow for the construction, operation and maintenance of the components needed for the development of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic seas.
Iarnród Éireann said its plans are a blueprint for the State’s largest ever purpose-built port facility dedicated to offshore renewable energy.
The plans, which have long been mooted, will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála next week.
Subject to planning being granted and funding allocated, Iarnród Éireann aims to commence construction in early 2027, with delivery targeted for early 2029.
The proposed Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub will span 80 hectares and include two new berths specifically designed for handling the largest components used in the construction of wind turbines.
The planned works include widening and deepening the port’s approach channel alongside the reclamation of 27.7 hectares of land from the sea, including the creation of almost 20 hectares of new port lands.
The project will also include the construction of extensive areas for storage, marshalling and assembly as well as a new small boat harbour, including new access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements and facilities for local marine users.
The project also contains plans for an operations and maintenance facility.
Iarnród Éireann said the development represents a "key step" in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets and in positioning the southeast region "at the forefront of the new green economy".
The port operator said the proposed facilities will enable Rosslare to serve multiple offshore wind projects under way in the Irish and Celtic seas.
It has said the Government has committed to achieving at least five gigawatts of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030 and the Rosslare hub will have the potential to support the installation of approximately 0.5 to one gigawatts of offshore wind capacity each year.
Iarnród Éireann added the project would also deliver long-term economic and employment benefits to Co Wexford and the southeast region.
It said the 2,000 jobs created by the Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub will span port construction and offshore wind construction activity as well as the long-term operation and maintenance phases of offshore wind development.
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Mary Considine said the proposed hub marks a "once in a generation investment in Ireland’s clean energy future, integrating national transport and maritime infrastructure to unlock offshore wind potential and deliver sustainable growth for coastal communities.
"It will also be a significant boost for the southeast, creating jobs in an emerging and vital industry, and becoming a crucial asset in Ireland’s energy transition journey."
Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, said: "Lodging planning for Rosslare’s ORE Hub is a significant milestone in the development of this critical piece of infrastructure that will support the development, growth and long-term operation of the offshore wind industry in Ireland’s southeast region."
Mr Carr said delivering "this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion of Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities".
The project, which is owned by Iarnród Éireann, has been co-funded to planning stage by the EU through its Connecting Europe Facility programme.
A dedicated website with more information about the project will go live next week with all documentation available to be inspected from 17 December.
Submissions or observations can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála until 24 February next year.
The proposed new infrastructure hub follows the official opening of a new customs control facility and border control post at Rosslare Europort last month.
Referred to as Terminal 7 and built at a cost of close to €230 million, the facility handles post-Brexit checks on goods coming into the country from outside of the EU.
Rosslare Europort has seen a more than six-fold increase in direct European sailings since Brexit, with many freight and delivery companies shifting from using the UK land bridge to more direct sea routes with the European Union.
