New deep-water port announced for Bremore Head

Drogheda Port Company has announced it will develop a new deep-water port north of Balbriggan at Bremore Head.

The new port is set to be one of the largest national infrastructure projects in recent years and will support Ireland’s Climate Action and EU Green Deal targets.

The port will also act as a national logistics hub.

In a statement, Drogheda Port Company said the port will also “deliver much needed sustainable jobs in the north east.”

Paul Fleming chief executive officer of Drogheda Port Company said: “This project is a reflection of today’s policy demands for infrastructure that meets national and EU goals to decarbonise transport, to produce alternative energy sources and to build in a sustainable manner.

“We will also develop the scope and design of the project to meet the demands of the regional economy and the needs of the local community.”

Fleming said that Brexit has also played a part in the announcement of the new port.

“Ireland’s relationship with our nearest neighbour is changing fundamentally and Brexit requires us to reimagine the east-west trading environment as well as our direct infrastructure links to our EU partners,” he said.

“This project will add significant capacity and opportunity to Ireland’s existing infrastructure and will shape our economic development and trade policies for decades to come.”

Fleming said that a public consultation will be launched to “develop a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable port.”

“Discussions are underway with relevant government departments to progress the necessary consents in terms of public policy objectives.

“In accordance with the Public Spending Code, a Strategic Assessment Report will be submitted to the relevant departments to progress this engagement further in the near term.”

The company has also announced it has awarded the contract to develop the port to Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) after a procurement process.

Rory Williams, chief executive officer of RGRE said: “This project will be one of Ireland’s biggest infrastructure investments in many years.

“As well as port and logistics operations, the development will make a significant contribution to regional social and economic infrastructure, delivering sustainable jobs to the region and providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the Irish economy as it faces into the challenges of a post-pandemic and post Brexit world.

“The north east rarely features in national conversations on infrastructure and economic development, and so this will also bring much needed investment to a region that will benefit hugely.”

Drogheda Port Company says that the port will also act as the landing site, assembly point and support centre for the turbines that will power the off-shore wind farms being developed in the Irish Sea.