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Major Planning Submission for Rosslare Europort Upgrade

26th August 2025
Rosslare Europort's expansion plans include new berths and facilities to enhance offshore renewable energy capabilities
Rosslare Europort's expansion plans include new berths and facilities to enhance offshore renewable energy capabilities

Rosslare Europort is set to lodge planning for its proposed Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub. This follows the recent grant of Marine Area Consent (MAC), a key regulatory milestone.

The MAC allows Iarnród Éireann to occupy a portion of the State’s maritime area. A planning submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected this Autumn.

The project aims to double the size of the port by reclaiming approximately 24.5 hectares of land from the sea. It will provide new facilities to support Ireland's offshore renewable energy targets.

Improvements include deepening the shipping channel, constructing two new deep-water berths, and a small boat harbour. It will also support wind farm projects in Irish and Celtic seas.

A 3D rendering of Rosslare Europort's new Berth 3A 3D rendering of Rosslare Europort's new Berth 3

If approved, construction could start in late 2026 and take about two years to complete. Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann, called the MAC grant a significant milestone for the development.

The announcement follows confirmation from the European Commission that €17.68 million has been allocated for Berth 3's upgrade. This joint funding supports both Rosslare and the Port of Dunkirk.

Upgrades at Berth 3 will accommodate larger vessels and enhance infrastructure, including emission-reducing features. The project is part of a larger €170 million transformation underway at the port.

Over the last 28 months, the port has implemented numerous improvements, including new concrete for trailer yards and additional security measures.  

The ongoing transformation is on budget and ahead of schedule, benefiting local contractors and the community.

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About Rosslare Europort

2021 sees Rosslare Europort hitting a new record with a total of 36 shipping services a week operating from the port making it one of the premier Irish ports serving the European Continent. Rosslare Europort is a gateway to Europe for the freight and tourist industries. It is strategically located on the sunny south-east coast of Ireland.

Rosslare is within a 90-minute driving radius of major Irish cities; Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Rosslare Europort is a RoRo, RoPax, offshore and bulk port with three RoRo berths with a two-tier linkspan, we also have a dedicated offshore bulk berth.

Exports in Rosslare Europort comprise mainly of fresh products, food, pharmaceuticals, steel, timber and building supplies. While imports are largely in the form of consumer goods such as clothes, furniture, food, trade vehicles, and electronics.

The entire Europort is bar-swept to 7.2 meters, allowing unrestricted access to vessels with draughts up to 6.5 metres. Rosslare Europort offers a comprehensive service including mooring, stevedoring and passenger-car check-in for RoRo shipping lines. It also provides facilities for offshore, dry bulk and general cargo.

The port currently has twice-daily round services to the UK and direct services to the continent each day. Rosslare Europort has a fleet of Tugmasters service, fork-lift trucks, tractors and other handling equipment to cater for non-standard RoRo freight.