Iarnród Éireann, the port authority for Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, will formally submit a planning application for a €220m expansion of the port. The project will almost double the port’s size and establish a landmark facility to support Ireland’s offshore wind energy industry.

The Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub will span 80 hectares and will include two new berths designed to handle the largest wind turbine components. Planned works will include widening and deepening the port’s approach channel and reclaiming 27.7 hectares of land from the sea, creating almost 20 hectares of new port lands. 

The development will also provide extensive storage, marshalling and assembly areas, a new small boat harbour, access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements, and facilities for local marine users. An operations and maintenance facility is also planned.

The project is expected to create 2,000 long-term jobs for the southeast region and support Ireland’s renewable energy targets, enabling the construction, operation, and maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas. 

Subject to planning approval and funding allocation, Iarnród Éireann will aim to start construction in early 2027, with delivery targeted for early 2029.

Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann, said: “Today, we seek to develop the port infrastructure necessary to support wind farms of the Irish and Celtic seas and deliver this €220m development which will create 2,000 jobs for the region. This critical piece of national infrastructure will not only support the country’s renewable energy transition but also deliver on national and EU policy priorities.”

Submissions or observations on the project will be accepted by An Coimisiún Pleanála until 24 February 2026. 

Explore the full plans for Ireland’s largest offshore renewable energy hub and its regional impact in the complete article.