#RosslarePort - The Wexford People writes that up to €40 million is sought from investors to commit in a major upgrade of Rosslare Europort that will equip it to handle the ships of the future.

Iarnród Éireann, the Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, announced to port staff last week that it is to undertake an assessment of market interest in a concession with a third party to operate the Port.

The assessment follows a study by Indecon Consultants for the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport which examined strategic options for the future of the Europort, to maximise its potential and address future investment requirements.

The report recommended that the Europort remain in the ownership of Iarnród Éireann, but with a long term concession with a third party.

Iarnród Éireann briefed all 73 employees at the port and will now commence the process of consulting with the market to assess interest and evaluate opportunities from a concession structure, which would be commonplace in ports in the EU and beyond.

Rosslare Europort is Ireland's second busiest in terms of ship visits and unitised freight, and is designated as one of only five ports of national significance in the National Ports Policy.

The Port has recorded growth of four per cent in freight units in 2015 to date, on top of a two per cent growth in 2014.

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