Rosslare omission from €113bn plans criticised
THE FIVE Wexford TDs and Transport Minister Shane Ross are being called to explain to Wexford councillors why Rosslare Europort was omitted from the government’s port plans in the National Framework strategy.
In a motion, Cllr Lisa McDonald said that the council is concerned and disappointed at County Wexford was overlooked in the National Planning Framework and in particular with the omission of the development of Rosslare Europort.
‘We call for a constructive debate on the document as it pertains to Wexford and in particular for the inclusion of the development of our Europort and its infrastructure,’ said Cllr McDonald.
Cllr McDonald said the council is spending over €40m on building office spaces and developing parks and tourist attractions in the county only for the national plan for the next 22 years to completely ignore its goals.
She said deputies Paul Kehoe and Michael D’Arcy Jnr should be held responsible for not fighting for a better plan for the county.
She said the port is vital for the post-Brexit world, calling for a delegation to meet with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Mr Ross.
‘Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Foynes are being developed. Several years ago the Rosslare title was being looked at and today boats are being built deeper. Other ports are deepening but the boats will no longer be able to fit into Rosslare.’
Cllr Davy Hynes seconded the motion, saying: ‘It’s absolutely disgraceful. When this plan came out it was a kick in the face to everyone in Wexford.’
Cllr Keith Doyle called for all five TDs to be called to the chamber for a meeting about the issue.
Cllr Johnny Mythen said Dublin, Ringaskiddy and Shannon have all been earmarked for development, adding that developing Rosslare Europort is key to creating jobs in the area.
Cllr Robbie Ireton said: ‘€113bn is being allocated for the country and Wexford has got zero. We have two ministers, (or we’re supposed to have two ministers), I wonder are they asleep at the wheel.’
Expressing concern that Dublin port’s new service to France will affect Rosslare Europort, Cllr Ireton said while Dublin Port is getting bigger, Rosslare Europort is getting smaller.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said he agreed that all five TDs should address the chamber, not a few. ‘We need to let them know exactly how we feel. Our economy will crumble. We also need to get our MEPs.’
Cllr John Hegarty said Mr Ross should be contacted first. He said the government minister is needed to secure funding from Europe for the port.
The motion was passed.