Rosslare Europort: Ireland’s gateway to Europe

Rosslare Europort is a vital strategic asset for the country and the south-east region. Glenn Carr, general manager of Rosslare Europort, outlines the port’s strategic plan and how it sees opportunity in the challenges of Brexit.

Rosslare Europort offers Ireland’s quickest direct route to mainland Europe. Predominantly a roll-on/roll-off and roll-on/roll-off passenger operation, with 14 per cent of that market within Ireland, it is uniquely placed to offer additional capacity to and from Ireland at a time when the issue of Brexit and its implications for our economy and trade loom large.

In advance of Brexit, Iarnród Éireann as Port Authority has developed a strategic plan to guide the port’s development over the coming 10 years.

The plan has identified opportunities for the port to make better use of available capacity, improve efficiencies and target specific sectors, while promoting the benefits of congestion-free access to European and UK markets. It is anticipated that these benefits will be of even greater value in a post-Brexit environment. The plan includes an investment of circa €25 million over the next five years to renew and develop the assets of the port, and position it for a growth in business.

A strategically placed port

As well as that crucial direct route to the European continent, there are also four daily sailings between Rosslare and the UK. The port is just two hours from Dublin on an improving road network and is accessible within four hours and 30 minutes of the vast majority of the island of Ireland, acting as a gateway and a point of onward distribution. For passengers, the direct rail service to/from the port is an added benefit for tourism.

Rosslare therefore has the capacity, land, road and rail network to alleviate congestion and play a vital role in the continued growth of our economy.

While it is a Tier 2 port in the National Ports Policy, the Tier 1 ports are under increasing pressure with very limited land availability, road congestion and port capacity. Rosslare’s opportunity is one for our economy.

A strategy of going for growth

Different developmental strategies were considered with one themed ‘Going for Growth’ approved for progression.  The approach promoted by this strategy aims to bring new business to the port by working with existing customers Stena Line, Irish Ferries and Neptune Lines, along with identifying potential new users of the port.  The key actions to be taken are:

• Assertively promote Rosslare Europort in the wider market to win new business. This action will be led by a sales and business development manager;
• Improve operational efficiencies, in partnership with employees and their representatives, through the reorganisation of work practices, enhanced productivity and exploration of possible third party involvement in some activities. This programme of works will be led by a head of operations to be appointed in the spring of 2019;
• Renew port assets and customer facilities at an investment level of circa €1.6 million per annum;
• Invest circa €1.5 million in the development of a ‘smart port’, making use of modern technology to improve customer service, prepare for increased activity, optimise traffic movements, and digitise information flows; and
• Develop port infrastructure by combining Berths 3 and 4, adding a second double link-span and reconfiguring ground layout to accommodate longer vessels, reduce loading/unloading times and enhance customer service. The expected expenditure for the required works is in the order of €16 million with completion to be within five years, after infrastructure assessments, business case and planning processes are completed.

The total anticipated investment over the next five years is over €25 million, with further investments to be made in the five to 10 year time horizon should the earlier planned initiatives generate a level of demand that justifies further developments, or should changes in the market after Brexit require further interventions.

Priority actions

These actions are now progressing. Iarnród Éireann is establishing a panel of qualified engineering consultants to advise on infrastructural works with the first action to develop a comprehensive port masterplan. Developing a masterplan will involve consultation with all stakeholders to capture their views on developmental opportunities and requirements.

Additionally, we in the port are engaging with potential new shipping customers and potential partner ports in mainland Europe for new services which will open up cost-effective options for Irish business.

A direct and swift connection to Normandy in France alone in turn provides direct links to 200 million consumers across Europe, and to 650 ports worldwide.

Preparing for Brexit

The strategic review has taken place in the context of ongoing Brexit discussions and acknowledges that the planned withdrawal of the UK from the European Union is likely to have significant implications for Rosslare Europort. 

Whilst the full nature and scale of such implications are yet unknown, it is anticipated that they will result in increased trade through the port, as the quickest access route to mainland Europe.

A specific review of required Brexit related changes has taken place, under the direction of the Office of Public Works, with the following actions being taken to prepare the port for likely changes:

• Port facilities are to be upgraded as part of government plans to meet customs, revenue, agriculture and immigration controls post-Brexit at an estimated expenditure of €45 million;
• A broad-based stakeholder group to include government agencies, shipping lines, industry representatives and port management has been established to guide port preparations;
• The establishment of Rosslare Europort as a border inspection post is central to the State’s Brexit planning;
• Opportunities post-Brexit are being explored with French and Dutch ports and shipping lines; and
• A new port access route to better connect with the existing road network is being planned.

Both our strategic plan, and the impact of Brexit, will enable Rosslare Europort to enhance its role to facilitating trade and tourism for Ireland.

With growing congestion in the capital’s infrastructure, we have the capacity, the ambition and the determination to provide that option which will also benefit our environment and business’ cost base.

Our gateway to Europe is set to grow further. 

Glenn Carr, General Manager
Rosslare Europort
W: www.rosslare.ie
E: glen.carr@irishrail.ie
T: 053 915 7970