Bremore Starts Consultation On €1bn Deep-Water Port Project

The ‘Vision for Bremore Ireland Port’ plan developed by Henning Larsen, a leading global architecture firm, showcases a deep-water multi-modal energy port that holds out the promise of creating a new Innovation District in Co. Meath.

The project, in development since 2019, is set to present a detailed planning application by 2026/2027, following public consultation.

The envisaged Innovation District would be “a space where urban development and cutting-edge technology converge”, with a new university hub and new residential areas in the blueprint.

Bremore Ireland Port said its focus will be on the offshore wind sector, and the port would be equipped with specialised quays for wind turbine assembly, and facilities for bulk, break-bulk and ferries.

The port project also envisages facilities to convert offshore wind energy to hydrogen energy.

Paul Fleming, CEO of Drogheda Port Company, commented: “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.

“We also aim to develop an Innovation District, and 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 the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, the government, local communities, local councils and interested groups.”

Rory Williams, CEO of Ronan Group Real Estate, the main commercial partner in the venture, added: "Strategic investment in a new purpose-built port is imperative to benefit from the vast potential of offshore wind.

“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.”

Minister Darragh O’Brien said that 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,” said the minister.

“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.”

The project plan calls for initial berths to be functional between 2028 and-2030, following planning decisions.

Drogheda Port Company said that Economic and commercial forecasts by Black Quay Maritime Consulting and EY suggest market potential exists for Bremore to become one of Ireland’s largest ports.