Ireland touted as 'ideal launching site' for new spaceport

'The UK is now starting to set up spaceports, but they are now outside the EU,' said Retired Brigadier General Peter O’Halloran. 'Ireland is ideal as a launching site.' Picture: Shane O'Neill, SON Photographic

Ireland is an “ideal launching site” for a spaceport and it is of “paramount importance” that the State invest in the area given EU efforts to build up its own defence of space, a former senior army officer has said.

Retired Brigadier General Peter O’Halloran said commercial companies are looking at remote locations along the south and west coast of Ireland as possible sites for a launchpad.