Minsters have welcomed the €11 million in co-funding for transport projects in Ireland under the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) which will support two port-related schemes.
As reported earlier on Afloat.ie, Irish Rail will receive €2.5 million for studies in respect of the potential to develop facilities at Rosslare Europort to support offshore renewable energy (ORE) operators in the Irish and Celtic Seas.
Doyle Shipping Group will also receive €2.5 million for its own studies informing the consideration of the redevelopment and expansion of the existing port facilities in Cork, with a view to supporting the deployment of ORE.
Welcoming the announcement on Thursday (22 June), Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said: “This funding will support the development of safer and more sustainable transport infrastructure as well as the development of the offshore renewable energy industry in Ireland.”
Minister of State Jack Chambers added: “I want to thank the EU for this support. This CEF funding will assist in developing strategic road, rail and maritime infrastructure for the future. It demonstrates the significant financial support from the EU for the development of our transport systems.”
Speaking about the Irish CEF project selection, European Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean said: “Ports have an essential role to play in the future sustainable EU transport system. This is why the CEF program already supports and will continue to support them.
“I am pleased that with this selection under the Connecting Europe Facility, we are able to assist the ports of Cork and Rosslare in their infrastructure developments and to contribute to their green transition efforts by developing offshore wind energy projects.”