Labour calls for State backing of transformative Rosslare Europort
Labour calls for State backing of transformative Rosslare Europort - The Labour Party
Labour’s George Lawlor TD said planning permission for the proposed 220 million Europort at Rosslare is a moment of real opportunity for Wexford. The development marks the beginning of a new industrial and maritime chapter for the county. It has the potential to deliver up to 2,000 long term jobs and will anchor Wexford as a hub for offshore renewable energy, logistics and trade. Deputy Lawlor said Government must seize this moment and commit major State investment to ensure this transformative strategic project becomes a reality. He called for investment in the Rosslare to Waterford freight rail line, including load on load capacity, to connect the port to the wider economy and deliver real benefits to local communities and businesses.
Deputy Lawlor said:
“Wexford has campaigned for a project of this scale for a long time and it is now within reach. The Rosslare Europort plan represents a once in a generation chance to reshape our local economy and secure meaningful long term employment. Up to 2,000 jobs means thousands of families with security and a future rooted in this county.
“This Europort will not simply be a regional asset. It has the potential to become a national anchor for offshore energy, trade and transport resilience. Ireland needs a port capable of supporting offshore wind development on the south east coast and Rosslare is perfectly positioned. If we get this right, Wexford will be at the heart of the country’s clean energy future.
“If Government is serious about regional development and energy security, it must step in with major State investment. We cannot expect them to deliver strategic outcomes on a shoestring. We need a full public commitment to ensure infrastructure, future capacity and environmental protections are built into this plan.
“In addition, we need to restore and modernise the Rosslare to Waterford freight line, including full load on load capability. This is essential if Europort is to connect with the rest of the country and attract logistics, manufacturing and green energy supply chains.
“Government should support this and then move immediately to back the development financially. A transformative project like this needs decisive action. I am calling on Ministers to prioritise Europort investment in the next capital plan, deliver the rail freight link, and make sure Wexford does not miss this once in a generation economic opportunity.”