Displaying items by tag: New Ross Port

27th April 2021

€5m Needed to Keep New Ross Port Afloat

Winds of change are blowing at New Ross Port, Co. Wexford, which is in profit but has major legacy issues. The above (1980's) scene, Afloat adds is of general cargoship, MV Carolina R when outbound at White Church along the banks of the River Barrow.

As the New Ross Standard reports, the cost of dredging the inland south-east Irish port and meeting its debts could run to more than €5m, councillors were told at the monthly municipal council meeting.

Director of Services Carolyn Godkin gave an update on how New Ross Port is faring financially at the meeting. Ms Godkin said a dredging cost benefit analysis is being carried out, along with other surveys, including environmental reports.

The 38m mast behind the port office is being removed.

'It's no longer fit for purpose. We have gone to tender on that and we will award a contract over the next few weeks.'

A new International Shipping & Port Security code for Marshmeadows will be sourced by June 30 and a hydrographic date survey also will be carried out within six months to ascertain the depths of the Barrow.

'We have engaged with the Admiralty and a new chart for New Ross.'

Lighting along the Barrow will be improved over the coming year also.

'New Ross is unusual in it's navigational system because the river is so dark. There is not a lot of light from towns and villages. Traditionally river street lighting was used to aid navigation,' Captain Phil Murphy said.

The Lucy junction near Pink Rock is a tricky corner for pilots to take so better lighting will be erected there.

'There are lights there but some need to be repaired. We are looking at what we have and what we need to give additional light to pilots.'

The Port and Pilot Byelaws have been reviewed.

Much more on this story here.

Published in Irish Ports

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New Ross Port

Takeover of New Ross Port to Unlock River’s Potential

Famine replica museum ship Dunbrody alongside homeport of New Ross, Co. Wexford. New Ross Port is to be transferred to Wexford County Council within months. On the right oil tanks on the quay which are the subject of negotiations between the council and Department of Transport.

#irishports - New Ross Port is to be transferred to Wexford County Council within the coming months and will lead to great opportunities for the development of the quays area of the town.

As NewRoss Standard writes, this is the view of director of services for economic development with Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin who addressed the monthly meeting of New Ross Municipal District.

Mr Larkin said the 'bottom tier' ports in Ireland are being transferred to local authorities.

'It's New Ross' turn. We have been in negotiations with the Department of Transport for two years. We've been doing due diligence on the port company and I compliment the work of the port company.'

He said the company is being disbanded and will merge into the council.

Mr Larkin said the transfer could occur as soon as May or June, and would have already taken place if not for some cost issues involving the removal of the oil tanks on the quay and the cost of draining the Barrow.

For the transfer to take place three ministers have to sign the transfer letter.

For further reading on this development at the inland port click here.

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Offshore wind

ESB know the importance of offshore wind in tackling climate change and delivering net zero. Ireland has a unique capability given its prime location to take advantage of the potential of offshore wind. ESB are working hard to develop offshore wind projects for the benefit of everyone across society in Ireland and the UK. This includes ongoing engagement with marine users and local communities so ESB can deliver these significant projects.

Offshore wind will play a major role globally in our fight against climate change. It will help to replace energy generated by burning fossil fuels with that from a clean, safe and secure renewable energy source. Ireland’s geographic location on the exposed edge of the Atlantic presents us with a significant opportunity to generate electricity from wind – both offshore and onshore.

Power from onshore wind farms currently provide over one-third of Ireland’s electricity needs. But, whilst its marine area is many times the size of its landmass, Ireland’s offshore wind potential is only starting to be realised. ESB have a coastline stretching over 3,000km but only one operational offshore wind farm – Arklow Bank, with a capacity of 25 MW. In contrast, Belgium’s coastline is only 63km long, but it has already developed more than 2,000 MW of offshore wind. In Great Britain, with a coastline four times the length of ours, offshore wind generation now equates to over 440 Arklow Banks, with an installed capacity of 11,0000 MW as of late 2021.

The Irish Government's target to install 5,000 MW of offshore wind capacity in our maritime area by 2030 is set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021. It also has the objective to source 80% of Ireland’s electricity needs from renewables by the same year. In line with this, ESB is applying its professional and proven engineering expertise to the challenges set within the Climate Action Plan.

ESB are committed to playing a strong role in developing Ireland’s offshore wind potential for the benefit of the people of Ireland. This will be done in consultation with marine users and local communities, and with due care for the marine environment.