“There is an argument for establishing a publicly owned independent Port Authority for Rosslare Europort to ensure a singular focus on maritime and shipping issues that could be formally linked to Wexford County Council,” Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has said.
Deputy Howlin was speaking in Dáil Éireann and argued that Rosslare Europort is particularly well placed for development, as it is the nearest port to continental Europe and therefore strategically important.
“The logic of that is simply that Dublin Port is hugely focussed on shipping to Britain. If we want to shift even a fraction of this trade to continental Europe, then we should develop the port that is nearest to our export markets,” said Deputy Howlin.
He added; “It makes no economic sense for goods to be transported from across Munster to Dublin, only to be shipped south within sight of Rosslare on its way to the continent. It would also lower carbon emissions for Rossalre to take more of this traffic.
“As such, we should envisage upgrading Rosslare Europort to become a Tier One port like Dublin, Cork or Foynes, as opposed to being the largest Tier Two port, as at present, followed by Waterford.
“Rosslare Europort is currently operated by Irish Rail as opposed to a separate port company, which is a unique arrangement. It has remained profitable during the downturn but it does not generate the kind of return that would enable major investment that is badly needed to upgrade the facilities. Among the needs of the port are dredging to deal with silting caused by winter storms, modernisation of facilities and general maintenance.”
Deputy Howlin said there was a need for a region-wide plan to ensure that Rosslare Europort be fully served by the infrastructure, and noting that the M11 Enniscorthy bypass will be completed in months, urged that the next phase should be extended from Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour.
