“Bremore Ireland Port will be first new major deep-water port development since the foundation of the state”
Plans were unveiled yesterday by Drogheda Port Company, operating in a joint venture with Ronan Group Real Estate, for the development of a world-class deep-water port at Bremore near Gormanston with an initial investment of a billion Euros.
The two companies say the project, plans for which have been in the offing for several years, scrapped during the economic crash and reinitiated in 2019, has the potential to generate significant commercial revenues and economic benefits for the local region and nationally.
Bremore Ireland Port has an initial focus on the offshore wind sector, and will be equipped with purpose-built infrastructure, including specialised quays, for wind turbine assembly and facilities for bulk, break-bulk and ferries.
The aim is that the new port will transform Ireland’s energy landscape as it will also be equipped to convert offshore wind energy to green hydrogen energy.
The vision is that the Bremore Ireland Port will become the first new deep-water port development since the foundation of the Irish state and in the process create a new Innovation District in Co. Meath.
The proposed port’s strategic location on the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor, deep-water and existing connections on the M1 and Dublin-Belfast rail line will play a pivotal role in establishing it as a centre of growth both nationally and locally.
A detailed planning application for the project is expected to be presented by 2026/2027, following a robust public consultation which they say will capture the views of the local community and stakeholders over time to provide input and help shape the project’s development.
Initial berths are projected to be functional between 2028-2030, following planning decisions. The project’s phasing is comprehensive, spanning a number of years, and the foremost phase emphasises offshore wind and bulk/break-bulk cargo.
Counties Meath, Louth and Dublin are expected to benefit from the initial investment through job creation and apprenticeships. The development of new homes, community services, heritage and archaeological trails form part of the plan, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and providing a focal point for community activities.
The regions of Meath, Louth and Dublin will benefit from the initial investment through job creation and apprenticeships. The development of new homes, community services, heritage and archaeological trails form part of the plan, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and providing a focal point for community activities. The port’s development includes plans for improved transportation infrastructure, which will enhance overall connectivity.
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, said The Government recognised the significance of Bremore Ireland Port as one of several ports that are needed to deliver Ireland’s renewable energy objectives.
“I’m optimistic about Bremore Ireland Port’s potential impact on decarbonisation, energy security, job and housing creation, and industrial opportunities, particularly along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor of Louth, Meath and Fingal.”
Drogheda Port took a severe hit in the financial crash, like many other ports in Ireland, but by 2016 throughput was almost back to pre-crash levels.
In 2017 Drogheda Port Company was transferred to the sole ownership of Louth County Council by the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal O’Donohue under the Harbours Act.
Talking to Drogheda Life in 2018 the then Chairman of Drogheda Port Company, Joe Hiney, said that previous plans for a deep-water facility at Bremore fell through because of the market collapse. There were also issues with archaeology on the site.
In a nod to those previous plans for the port in Bremore, the CEO of Drogheda Port Company, Paul Fleming, said, “… we have placed paramount emphasis on respecting the rich heritage, archaeological significance, and environmental integrity of the Bremore region.
“Today’s announcement marks the start of the consultation process in advance of our planning applications, and we (will) continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), the Government, local communities, local councils and interested groups.”
Rory Williams, CEO of Ronan Group Real Estate, said: “Strategic investment in a new purpose-built port is imperative to benefit from the vast potential of offshore wind and for Ireland to achieve its renewable energy targets of 30GW generated by offshore wind by 2050.
“Henning Larsen, a leading global architecture company, has created Bremore Ireland Port’s pioneering vision to bring together innovation, green energy production and economic development.
“The initial €1 billion capital investment into the project will act as a catalyst for significant job creation in the Meath, Louth, and Dublin regions, and many local businesses will benefit from the capital investment. As the port’s commercial activities increase, it will create many new local industries and businesses of the future.”
For more information see https://bremoreirelandport.ie/
Read our report from December 2020:
