Bremore Ireland Port has unveiled plans for a new deep-water port development with an initial strategic focus on the offshore wind sector.
The ‘Vision for Bremore Ireland Port’ developed by Henning Larsen, a leading global architecture firm, showcases a world-class deep-water multi-modal energy port.
The port will be equipped with purpose-built infrastructure, including specialised quays for wind turbine assembly and facilities for bulk, break-bulk and ferries.
Bremore Ireland Port will also support Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy objectives as it will be equipped to convert offshore wind energy to green hydrogen energy.
Bremore Ireland Port’s strategic location on the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor, deep-water and existing intermodal connections on the M1 and Dublin-Belfast rail line play a pivotal role in establishing it as a centre of growth both nationally and locally.
The Innovation District will be a space where urban development and cutting-edge technology converge and is designed to foster economic growth, facilitate research and development, develop a new university hub, and provide new residential areas with essential community services.
The Bremore Ireland Port project, reinitiated in 2019, has marked significant milestones, such as finalising the project plan, demand design, funding and planning assessments.
The project is set to present a detailed planning application by 2026/2027, following a robust public consultation.
Initial berths are projected to be functional between 2028-2030, following planning decisions.
The project’s phasing is comprehensive, spanning a number of years, and the foremost phase emphasises offshore wind and bulk/break-bulk cargo.
Economic and commercial forecasts by Black Quay Maritime Consulting and EY suggest market potential exists for Bremore Ireland Port to become one of Ireland’s largest ports.
The forecasts also have shown that Bremore Ireland Port has the potential to generate significant commercial revenues and economic benefits for the local region and nationally.
Minister Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: “I welcome today’s announcement of the Bremore Ireland Port vision.
“Ireland’s ambition in the climate action, transport and renewable energy sectors are interdependent and critical to our path to a zero-carbon economy.
“Ports play a pivotal role in achieving de-carbonisation targets and are a key enabler regarding Ireland’s ambitions for the maritime sector.
“The Government recognised the significance of Bremore Ireland Port in the port policy statement issued in December 2021 as one of several ports that are needed to deliver Ireland’s renewable energy objectives.
“I’m optimistic about Bremore Ireland Port’s potential impact on decarbonisation, energy security, job and housing creation, and industrial opportunities, particularly along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor of Louth, Meath and Fingal.”
Paul Fleming, chief executive of Drogheda Port Company, added: “We are pleased to announce the ‘Vision for Bremore Ireland Port’ today.
“Bremore Ireland Port is set to become Ireland’s leading deep-water energy port with world-class facilities capable of assembling offshore wind turbines, producing green hydrogen, and distributing eco-friendly fuels in the first development phase, including bulk, break-bulk and ferry facilities.
“We also aim to develop an Innovation District, which will bring together light manufacturing, urban production, R&D offices, community services, residential areas, and a dynamic university hub.
“As we progress, we have placed paramount emphasis on respecting the rich heritage, archaeological significance, and environmental integrity of the Bremore region.
“Today’s announcement marks the start of the consultation process in advance of our planning applications, and we continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including the newly established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), the Government, local communities, local councils and interested groups.”