A port capacity study is currently underway and is due for completion shortly. Upon its finalisation a full review of National Ports Policy will commence later this year which will look at the overall ports policy framework.
As I informed the Deputy on the 2nd of June 2022, given Ireland’s increased ambition in the area of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and pending a review of overall National Ports Policy later this year, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), conducted an assessment of the options for Irish State ports to facilitate the sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emission reduction targets. Following the assessment, last December I announced an ORE Ports Policy Statement setting out the strategy for a multi-port approach to the provision of port facilities.
A number of ports will be required to provide facilities for the different activities at several locations around the country and at different times for the various phases of the fixed and floating ORE developments. This will maximise the economic benefits at both regional and national level in terms of job creation and new SME enterprises in areas such as engineering, fabrication, transport and logistics, and other technologies.
A multiport approach will ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade.
All Ports in Ireland operate on a commercial basis with all investments funded from port revenues, European grant funding, borrowings or sale of assets. As part of endeavours to maximise EU funding, the Department engaged extensively with other Member States and the Commission advocating for inclusion of funding for ORE required port infrastructure under the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and successfully obtained changes to the CEF criteria to allow EU funding of port infrastructure for ORE for TEN-T ports in the 2021-2023 funding stream.
This is a competitive process and a number of Irish ports or terminal operators in Irish Ports who are progressing projects have indicated their intention to apply for CEF funding when the next call opens in September. The Department will assist, as appropriate, eligible applicants with the application process.
For the Deputy's information, a copy of the Policy Statement on the facilitation of Offshore Renewable Energy by Commercial Ports in Ireland can be accessed at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/8f40e-policy-statement-on-the-facilitation-of-offshore-renewable-energy-by-commercial-ports-in-ireland/
