ROSSLARE EUROPORT ARE to submit a planning application to build the country’s largest offshore renewable energy hub at the harbour in Co Wexford. 

The plans for the Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála next week.

Iarnród Éireann, the port authority for Rosslare, said the €220m development would create 2,000 long-term jobs for the region in port construction, offshore wind construction and long-term operation and maintenance phases of offshore wind development.

It will also support Ireland’s growing offshore wind industry and energy targets and make Rosslare Harbour into Ireland’s primary base for the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas, it said. 

The Programme for Government has committed to delivering at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.

The Rosslare hub will have the potential to support the installation of approximately 0.5GW to 1GW of offshore wind capacity each year.

An image of how the hub would look. Iarnród Éireann Iarnród Éireann

Spanning 80 hectares, the hub would include two new heavy‑lift berths specifically designed for offshore renewable energy components, extensive areas for storage, marshalling and assembly and a new 64-berth, small boat harbour.

It would also include new access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements and facilities for local marine users, including the Rosslare Sea Scouts.

The planned works involve 50 hectares of dredging, 32 hectares of land reclamation, including the creation of 19.7 hectares of new port lands capable of handling the largest wind turbine components.

Iarnród Éireann said these will enable Rosslare to serve multiple offshore wind projects underway in the Irish and Celtic Seas and “deliver long-term economic and employment benefits” to Co Wexford and the southeast.

It said it aims to commence construction in early 2027 subject to planning being granted and funding allocated, with the delivery target set for early 2029.

CEO Mary Considine said the project marks “a once in a generation investment in Ireland’s clean energy future, integrating national transport and maritime infrastructure”. 

Glenn Carr, director of commercial business units with Iarnród Éireann, said delivering the project “will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities”. 

The project has been co-funded to planning stage by the EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).