Port firm unveils €20m investment plan

SHANNON Foynes Port Company (SFPC) yesterday unveiled a €20 million plan to develop docks facilities to facilitate Ireland’s multi-billion euro investment in renewable energy over the next 20 years.

SFPC chief executive Pat Keating said the investment would not alone provide strategic port facilities for advancing the green energy sector across the west but would also significantly enhance amenities for existing port users.

He said: “Ireland has the ability to become one of the world’s leading exporters of green energy over the coming decades and much of the infrastructure required for this will come by way of off-shore and on-shore projects on the west coast of Ireland.

“Currently, there is no port along the west coast that can facilitate the handling and storage of the type of large scale cargo for the wind, wave and tidal energy projects that will be concentrated on this side of the island.

“We plan to reclaim up to 2.4 hectares of quayside area to develop the type of set-down areas this cargo will need. In addition to enabling us facilitate and capitalise on the green energy sector growth, the reclamation works will also improve on existing facilities for current port users.”

The public consultation process at Foynes will form part of the Environmental Impact Study for both the Foreshore Licence and planning applications required for the project.

SFPC chairwoman Kay McGuinness said huge opportunities arise from the green energy sector and extending the quayside area at Foynes will benefit other port business.

She said: “The current east jetty at Foynes constrains efficient harbour operations; quite simply, we need more space. Reclaiming this land will significantly enhance our facilities and strengthen our business potential across all areas.

“There is huge potential, in particular, in the energy sector for us. Going forward, Shannon Foynes Port Company will play a key role in realising the enormous potential for the green energy sector in Ireland and particularly the west. We have identified what is needed at Foynes to help make this happen and are now seeking both our foreshore licence and planning permission to facilitate it.”