Record year for Rosslare port

2022 was a record year for Rosslare Europort as freight units exceeded 200,000 for first time ever, and passenger numbers made almost full post-covid recovery.

Rosslare Europort delivered further growth in 2022 with over 200,000 freight units passing through the port for the first time in its history.

Overall freight in the past two years has grown cumulatively by 53% with a 398% increase in continental trade. 2022 also saw the port secure a new twice-weekly direct service to Zeebrugge with Finnlines part of the Grimaldi Group.

There was also a significant return to the passenger business with over 550,000 people using the port. This represents a 128% increase on 2021 and just 5% behind 2019 pre-covid levels.

Rosslare Europort remains Ireland’s number one port for direct freight and passenger services to the EU. Along with 58 weekly UK services, the port now also operates over 34 services between Rosslare and Bilbao, Cherbourg, La Havre, Dunkirk and Zeebrugge. It is now the only port in Europe to have the three largest RoRo brands operating services collectively.

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units, Iarnród Éireann which is the Port Authority for Rosslare Euoport, said, “We continue to see increased growth and demand at Rosslare Europort and our focus is on further delivering port infrastructure and services that supports Ireland’s Exporters, Importers, Tourism and Energy Renewable industries. 2022 was a tremendous year for freight at the port and we also welcomed back significant passenger numbers using Rosslare. As we go through 2023 and beyond, we will see historic levels of investment in numerous projects. Not only will these reinforce Rosslare Europort’s position as Ireland’s Gateway for freight and passenger traffic to Europe, but will also see the port emerge as Ireland’s national hub to support the Offshore Renewable Wind projects planned for the Irish and Celtic Seas.”

Investment Plans at the port comprise Port, OPW and road infrastructure developments including: n n Rosslare Europort Masterplan, including port digitalisation: These works will reflect its status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe and will include new freight and passenger facilities, storage, export and import facilities, berth extension, new freight entrance, new car parking areas, lighting, security and complete resurfacing of all ground areas. Matching the port’s physical transformation, a digitalisation of systems and operations is also planned which will deliver a better, more effective and more efficient port. n n Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub development, including an ORE purpose-built quay and berth, ORE quayside storage and pre-construction up to 50 acres in area, navigable channel dredged down to a minimum of 9 metres depth, and management control centre and management offices and facilities. n n Office of Public Works Project T7, to develop a permanent Border Control Post within the port, to provide the facilities and systems for all aspects of Border Control. n n New TII N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road will ensure a better experience for port users and enhance quality of life for those living and working in the area by taking trucks out of the village and improving access and connectivity to the port.

In total, these developments will see a total of circa €350 million invested in the port and its environs. n