Housing Minister Hails "Red Letter Day" as Rosslare Europort Upgraded

The Minister for Housing says the recognition of Rosslare Europort as a "Port of National Significance" is a "red letter day" for the facility.

The change is status means Rosslare can support continued investment in port infrastructure, enabling it to expand, create jobs, and strengthen international trade links.

It comes after Rosslare was regarded as a tier 2 port back in 2013 but has now made the step up to tier 1.

Minister Browne says it opens up much more opportunities for the transport hub.

"It really is a red letter day because when you add this to the 250 million euro that's been invested in and around the port, I think we now have a port that is absolutely thriving and transformed from where it was 12 years ago."

Minister Browne says this is an issue he's been working on since he first came into politics and they have righted a wrong that should never have happened.

"I think we were all very frustrated and angry at the time that Rosslare was not tier 1 because that affects it in terms of funding and strategic development.

"So the new National Ports Policy now elevates Rosslare Europort and Waterford port up to the standard of the ports of Cork, Dublin and Foynes."

The Wexford TD says the policy also allows them to look at the ownership of the port which has proven controversial in the past.

The port is part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbour Company which is a 19th century venture established by the British Government, but operated by Irish Rail here.

Minister Browne says that can't be allowed to continue:

"As you know it is still partly owned by the British which is a crazy situation so we're now looking at revising that ownership, engaging with the British and taking full ownership to create a standalone commerical port as well.

"This would make it like the other ports in the country so it would be able to keep the investment and the profits that its making to put back into the port itself."

Minister Browne also says this change in policy will help the port to achieve its climate goals by strengthening its position when it comes to wind energy.

Port officials have been pushing to expand its capacity to accomodate more renewable energy infrastructure and the Housing Minister says this should now be easier.

"This really puts Rosslare into a more strong position to attract that type of investment.

"We know wind energy might not be going as fast as we'd like across the country but that would be the icing on the cake if we can get that wind energy infrastructure across the line."

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.