Development of a Deep Water Berth at Ros an Mhíl welcomed
€25m of Government investment will facilitate significant development in renewable energy and fishing
Údarás na Gaeltachta warmly welcomes the €25m investment in a Deep Water Berth at Ros na Mhíl in Co. Galway which was announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., and the Government today.
This is a major infrastructure investment in the Gaeltacht and the development will provide the entire country with a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the renewable energy resources available off the west coast of the country.
Following a report commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2021, today’s announcement recognises the suitability of Ros an Mhíl in the Galway Gaeltacht as a prime location for an increased fishing harbour, but more importantly, for the development of a strategic hub to support the floating offshore wind sector with the potential to create up to 900 jobs in the industry.
The report, compiled by Dublin Offshore Consultants, identified that Ros an Mhíl Harbour’s proximity to offshore projects and a deep sea berth would provide an opportunity to get into the offshore wind industry market, a market which is cost effective and also timely in that it also addresses climate change. Ros an Mhíl also benefits from a substantial land bank which is owned by both Údarás na Gaeltachta and the DAFM.
The development of this deep sea berth will be the foundation on which the realisation of the report is based and today’s announcement by the Government is a huge step forward.
Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta stated:
“This is a significant announcement not only for the Gaeltacht but for the entire country. This development provides Ireland with a wonderful opportunity to benefit from the substantial renewable energy resources off the west coast and the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta warmly welcomes today’s announcement by Minister McConalogue and the Government. This strategic development hub will create significant investment in the area, enhancing community life, creating employment and reducing the impact of climate change. We look forward to working closely with all our stakeholders and the local community in particular in realising the opportunities that will become available and to bring continued sustainable investment to the Gaeltacht.”
Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Chief Executive Officer added:
“Údarás na Gaeltachta welcomes today’s announcement by the Government that €25m will be invested in a deep sea berth in Ros an Mhíl. This deep sea berth will greatly enhance the Galway Gaeltacht’s business infrastructure, providing employment opportunities as well as developing opportunities in the renewable energy sector. There is a huge wind energy resource off the west coast which will assist with the country’s climate change efforts – as indicated in the report published by ourselves last year. This vast project will provide endless opportunities for this historic harbour and the surrounding area whilst boosting the local economy and businesses and we hope to support this in the future as opportunities in relation to developing the organisation’s land close to the site are developed.”
Údarás na Gaeltachta is working hand in hand with the community and the harbour development committee to ensure that the Harbour will have the opportunity to attain every possible benefit from appropriate sectors in future and that the appropriate basic infrastructure is available in the area to that end. An Ghaeltacht Ghlas (Green Gaeltacht) forms an important part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025.
The organisation is committed to doing its part in reducing our carbon footprint in our activities and in the activities of our clients and in the Gaeltacht community. The development of Ros an Mhíl as a strategic hub to support the offshore wind industry will facilitate this. Údarás na Gaeltachta has long recognised Ros na Mhíl as a strategic resource, where possibilities now exist for the Harbour as a strategic national centre for marine renewable energy.
The recent acquisition of Fuinneamh Sceirde, a 400MW offshore wind farm, by Green Investment Group illustrates the soon to be future of the offshore wind energy market in the region.