Port in ship shape for profits as Wexford not Waterford to run line

Wexford County Council are progressing plans to develop New Ross Port having agreed a working plan with local stevedores, meaning Waterford Port are no longer in the frame for managing the facility.

Senior engineer in the Environment section Gerry Forde told the monthly municipal council meeting that the local authority is very much committed to New Ross Port. ‘We’re looking at developing a passenger service along the river to compliment the river’s offerings and at developing working business relationships with other harbours around the county.’

Mr Forde said: ‘Everything is moving at pace and we are very much committed to investment in New Ross Port and getting it up and running and hopefully there will be more business in New Ross when this is done.’

Cllr Michael Whelan said: ‘It’s good to hear that we’re investing in New Ross Port and committing to it. When will we have ships back into New Ross?’

He asked what role the new harbourmaster will have. Cllr Bridín Murphy said many local companies are dependent on the continuous management of the port, asking for regular updates on what progress is being made at the port, adding that it was previously planned that

Waterford Port would run the facility.

Mr Forde said Wexford County Council plans to take control of the running of the port within the coming weeks. He said the harbourmaster will have two roles. ‘He or she will be a relief pilot before New Ross Port operates and we operate it, it will be one service.’

He said the role will also, in all likelihood, involve the marina and possibly Duncannon Port.

‘ The person will have an overall role within the New Ross district. We have contacted all of the stakeholders and we have agreed when the last ship is to come up at the moment.’

He said the plan is to partially reopen the harbour to enable ships to come up during the day.

Cllr Anthony Connick asked what the council’s plans are for Marshmeadows section and Mr Forde said consultations are ongoing with the management of the area.

Cllr Pat Barden asked what involvement Waterford Port will have in New Ross and was told by Mr Forde that the council is progressing with its own plans for the port, which will be reviewed after two or three years. ‘If the operating model is working well I probably see no reason to change it.’

District director Eamonn Hore said: ‘I think that is reasonable.’

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming said the stevedores are ‘very understanding’ of the plans.