Rosslare Europort Port Authority, operated by Iarnród Éireann, has announced the official submission of its planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála to build the largest offshore renewable energy hub in the State. This infrastructure, with an estimated investment of €220 million, will mark a before and after in the offshore wind energy supply chain in Ireland.
Offshore wind center infrastructure
With a projected extension of 80 hectares, the Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub (ORE Hub) will be prepared to handle the logistics, assembly and maintenance of offshore wind turbine components. New heavy lift docks, storage platforms, a harbor with capacity for more than 60 vessels and dedicated logistics access roads are planned.
The works will also include the dredging of 50 hectares of marine space and the creation of 19.7 hectares of new port land through land reclamation. This expansion will accommodate large-scale wind power components adapted to offshore projects in the Irish and Celtic Seas.
Regional impact, timelines and European support
The plan calls for construction to begin in early 2027, subject to approval and financing, with the goal of completion in early 2029. During this process, it is estimated that 2,000 jobs will be created in different phases, including the construction, operation and maintenance of the hub, consolidating the regional impact of the project.
From a strategic point of view, the Rosslare ORE Hub will not only integrate the port infrastructure with the national transport system, but will also position County Wexford as a key node for achieving the 5 GW of offshore wind capacity committed by the Irish government by 2030.
The project is supported by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), reinforcing its importance within the EU-wide decarbonization plan. Environmental improvements and facilities for the coastal community have also been incorporated, including spaces for local groups such as the Rosslare Sea Scouts.
Source and photo: Rosslare Europort