FREEZONE PARK PLAN FOR ROSSLARE COULD CREATE ‘THOUSANDS’ OF JOBS

IRISH RAIL is progressing plans to develop a Freezone Business Park at Rosslare Europort similar to internationally renowned Shannon Free Zone and business park.

Being designed in support of the offshore wind industry and the south east economy, Irish Rail has the backing of Wexford County Council in the venture, which could bring thousands of jobs to south Wexford, according to Independent TD Verona Murphy,

A report from Irish Rail, seen by this newspaper, highlights how the port’s open sea access is ideal for the quick entry and exit of any vessel into Ireland through the facility, which is in line for €30m in investment over the coming five years.

‘All in all, the port is ideally suited to servicing the upcoming offshore wind industry needs, the economy of the south east and the economy nationally,’ the report’s author states.

XELLZ, through its offshore division, 24shore, has been able to secure just under 100 acres of land for the development of the Rosslare Europort Business Park, with quay side entrance which can be used for the handling of goods.

‘In terms of expansion to meet the offshore industry need, the port facilities, combined with those of 24shore at the first phase of the Europort Business Park, will provide more than sufficient staging space for the handling, storage, assembly and pre-installlation assembly activities.’

This area will be developed first.

The port is also being upgraded with a new access road, a longer and re-enforced quay providing a direct and unobstructed connection to the offshore supply base.

‘The port has already experience in supporting offshore business having handled over 20 shipments of wind turbine blades and towers for the construction of the Arklow Bank wind farm.’

The other lands earmarked for development are described as being ‘perfectly situated to become a location for the businesses that are linked to the offshore industry and other industries and commercial activities’.

This offers land for the development of offices, warehouses etc.

‘These businesses can locate themselves there for the longterm, bringing new energy to the region. The Europort Business Park comes well timed after approval for the masterplan which foresees an upgrade of the port area and access for trailers. It has already been agreed that access to the port needs to be adjusted to suit the large equipment for offshore projects.

‘The development should bring a significant number of jobs to the Rosslare area starting with the installation phase in which – depending on the number of projects that are simultaneously starting up – could be a few thousand. After the installation of the projects there will be hundreds of jobs remaining in the area.’

Five benefits and reasons for the creation of the Freezone are listed under the headings: Financial, Brexit, UK plans for Freeports, Enterprise Hubs and Export potential.

State support and favourable treatment for rates, capital allowances, etc, are listed as financial reasons for the business park, along with Enterprise Ireland support for offshore related industries to develop a European hub.

Proximity to Europe opportunities for manufacturing and onward supply was another reason given as is the consideration that the UK is planning to establish ten Freezones, including one in Wales, which would be in direct competition with Rosslare.

‘It is important that Rosslare would not lose its competitive edge in this regard.’

A Freezone comprising the port and the business park, is planned as renewal energy project installations will be there until 2035, if approved. Being developed by a joint venture company comprising Irish Rail and 24shore, the Freezone would enable companies to bring their products into the country and store them in Rosslare without the onus of having to pay duties or VAT until they are released into the market. ‘To get this would be phenomenal and is very much achievable. Irish Rail and Rosslare Europort want it, Wexford County Council want it and it would facilitate the creation of a business park similar to Shannon. CIE commissioned a report and under EU law this can be achieved. It’s very attractive to businesses and it does exactly the same as what Shannon – which is an international success story – does. Currently anything that comes in from the UK lands in Shannon and is transported around the country from there.’

Deputy Murphy said: ‘There is provision in the legislation for Rosslare to be designated as such a zone. This needs to be part of the Programme for Government economic document that is coming out. This has the support of CIE, the local authority and there is no reason why this can’t be progressed.’

Speaking in a week in which a new route to Roscoff, France, was announced, she said the proposal could see €100m spent on Rosslare. ‘The benefit that would bring, not just to Rosslare, but the entire county, would be phenomenal. The wind energy plan would create hundreds of jobs. You have 600 acres surrounding Rosslare that if freely available for development also.’

She said haulage companies would be totally behind the proposal.

‘With Brexit, we have to maximise the opportunity to help businesses serve Britain outside of the EU. The Business Park is already developing. It’s leasing land in preparation. Rosslare Europort is the best placed to serve this function because of its location on the south east coast.’

With auctions for the wind energy contact due to happen next April, it is imperative the plan is advanced over the coming months, Deputy Murphy said.

XELLZ is preparing a planning application, while Irish Rail is putting out its own planning application over the coming days regarding its plans for the port.

‘Some people have difficulty with Irish Rail,’ Deputy Murphy said.

‘In the past, there was a lot of controversy as people said they didn’t reinvest the profits they made in the port. They are now making a commitment enshrined in planning. We have to work with them, not against them. The ownership of the company is irrelevant.’

The new 33km stretch of dual carriageway planned for Oilgate to Rosslare Europort will further add to its attractiveness, she said, as will the expected addition of two further continental routes later this year.

‘We need to have that big picture thinking; that’s what’s needed to bring factories for our children. Hong Kong are looking for a new base. I don’t think it’s far-fetched for them to look at Ireland and Rosslare.’

Referring to how Ireland is being eyed as the location for a new city that would be a base for potentially millions of Hong Kong citizens considering leaving as China tightens its grip on the city, Deputy Murphy said big picture thinking is needed for the county. The proposed ‘charter-city’ would have its own regulations and tax regime, like Hong Kong.