Wallace questions lack of investment in Europort
THE need to invest and to address the issues faced at Rosslare Europort, not least the problem that it is run by a rail company and is partly owned by the British, was raised in the Dáil by Independent Deputy Mick Wallace.
‘I fail to understand why Rosslare was not developed into a strategic harbour a long time ago,’ he said. ‘Central Statistics Office, CSO, port traffic figures from 2016 show that Rosslare had arrival gross tonnage of 32,000 tonnes, Cork, 18,000, and Shannon, 10,000. Are Cork and Shannon getting more investment than Rosslare?
‘In terms of footfall, Rosslare had 268,000 passengers in 2016 compared with Dublin, which had just under 500,000 passengers, yet it is left behind. Wexford is a deprived county and could be given a boost through investment in Rosslare Europort.’
In reply, Transport Minister Shane Ross said technically, the port forms part of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company, which is a 19th century joint-venture company, consisting today of Iarnród Éireann on the Irish side and Stena Line on the Welsh side.
‘ The status of the port, and whether its current status potentially inhibits its development, was considered in a strategic review commissioned by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants,’ he said. ‘Its report concluded that the creation of an independent port authority would be extremely difficult, given the port’s complex legal structure.
‘Instead, it was recommended that the port remain in public ownership and that the possibilities for increased private sector involvement be investigated.’
He said he was satisfied that Rosslare Europort, as a division of Iarnród Éireann, is effectively managing operations at the port and looking at the potential of the port to develop further and take advantage of any new opportunities.
‘ The port is targeting growth and new business opportunities and recently received the approval of the Iarnród Éireann board for a strategic plan to grow the port’s business,’ he said. ‘ This includes investment plans for up to €25 million in customer facilities and port infrastructure, port assets and new technology.’
Up to €12.5 million will be invested in the extension on berths 3 and 4, from 190 m to 220 m, with a double-link span to cater for future longer ships and two-tier vessels, he said.
Up to €1.5 million will be invested in IT and creating a smart and automated port to include vehicle recognition systems, a trailer tracking system, compound management, check-in and check-out systems.