Bremore Ireland Port has unveiled its vision for what will become the first new deep-water port development since the foundation of the Irish state.
The ‘Vision for Bremore Ireland Port’ developed by Henning Larsen, the global architecture firm, showcases a world-class deep-water multimodal energy port that will transform Ireland’s energy landscape and aims to create a new innovation district in Co Meath.
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.
Foster economic growth
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.
Bremore Ireland Port has an initial strategic focus on the offshore wind sector, and 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.
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.
The consultation process will capture the views of the local community and stakeholders over time to provide input and help shape the project’s development.
Initial berths functional between 2028-2030
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.
The regions of Meath, Louth and Dublin will benefit from the initial investment through job creation and apprenticeships. The development of new homes, community services, heritage and archaeological trails form part of the plan, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and providing a focal point for community activities. The port’s development includes plans for improved transportation infrastructure, which will enhance overall connectivity.
Local government minister Darragh O'Brien 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, CEO of Drogheda Port Company, said: “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.
Environmental integrity
"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, the government, local communities, local councils and interested groups.”
Rory Williams, CEO of Ronan Group Real Estate, added: “Strategic investment in a new purpose-built port is imperative to benefit from the vast potential of offshore wind and for Ireland to achieve its renewable energy targets of 30GW generated by offshore wind by 2050.
"Henning Larsen, a leading global architecture company, has created Bremore Ireland Port’s pioneering vision to bring together innovation, green energy production and economic development.
"The initial €1bn capital investment into the project will act as a catalyst for significant job creation in the Meath, Louth, and Dublin regions, and many local businesses will benefit from the capital investment. As the port’s commercial activities increase, it will create many new local industries and businesses of the future.”