Drogheda Port Company has proposed Bremore as the location for Ireland’s new east coast naval base, linking the plan to its proposed new port development between Gormanston and Balbriggan.
The port project, a multi million euro investment, is being developed in partnership with the Ronan Group. Both have engaged with Government to put forward Bremore as an alternative to the current frontrunner, Dún Laoghaire.
They say Bremore would be a strong option in the context of Ireland’s growing focus on maritime security and defence, as well as wider European priorities around protecting critical infrastructure.
Located along the Dublin Belfast economic corridor, Bremore is being positioned as a strategically important deep water site with strong transport connections. It is seen as offering operational advantages for both national defence and potential EU related security activity.
The proposal comes shortly after the launch of Ireland’s first National Maritime Security Strategy by Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, aimed at strengthening the protection of Irish waters and key infrastructure. The move has also been linked to increased concern around activity by Russian vessels in Irish waters.
Drogheda Port Company CEO Paul Fleming said Bremore meets key requirements for naval use.
“In terms of EU Port strategy when constructing or upgrading infrastructure on those parts of the trans European transport network that present dual use investments Member States need to ensure the technical specifications including deep water.
Bremore’s coastline offers naturally deep water access just offshore which is an essential requirement for naval operations and rapid deployment of vessels with deep drafts.
Its position avoids the more exposed southern and western approaches, providing a naturally sheltered maritime environment for naval activities.”
He said a naval base at Bremore would strengthen Ireland’s ability to monitor and respond to activity in the Irish Sea, particularly in relation to subsea cables, energy links and commercial shipping routes.
The site is also part of the EU’s Trans European Transport Network, which supports both civilian and military mobility across Europe.
Drogheda Port Company and the Ronan Group also believe the development could bring wider benefits to the region, including job creation across maritime, logistics and related sectors, along with further investment in infrastructure and skills.
They say the project fits with a broader vision for Bremore as a major energy and logistics hub supporting Ireland’s future economic and security needs.
