Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
133. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Transport the progress that has been made in developing Foynes Port as a centre for the delivery of offshore wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for ports, I am committed to facilitating the Commercial Irish State ports under my remit as positive contributors to the offshore renewable energy (ORE) industry to support Ireland to meet its ambitious climate targets.
To deliver our offshore energy ambitions, the Government is implementing a plan-led approach which is driven by a cross-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. Supporting the development of port infrastructure is a core objective of the Taskforce as well as my Department, as evidenced by the dedicated ORE Ports Facilitation Division established in 2024.
With its natural deep waters and strategic location at the edge of the Atlantic, Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) is ideally positioned to become a hub for offshore renewable energy and play a pivotal role in supporting Ireland’s energy transition. The port is currently progressing plans to develop infrastructure to support offshore wind projects.
The Foynes Island development, part of SFPC’s Vision 2041 masterplan, aims to serve as an integration and pre-commissioning base for offshore wind turbines. As well as this, it plans to operate as a multi-purpose terminal, supporting general cargo operations from the inner port at Foynes. This proposed expansion aligns with SFPC's goal to become a global hub for floating offshore wind and renewable energy logistics while also enabling the growth of SFPC’s existing operations to help to alleviate the national constraint on 'lift-on-lift-off' (LoLo) cargo capacity that is expected to arise in the future.
Shannon Foynes’ proposed development includes an 800m long terminal- 400m of which will facilitate marshalling and assembly of offshore wind components with the other 400m acting as a multi-purpose terminal. The quay will also include 25-hectare hardstanding area.
Shannon Foynes submitted a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for the Foynes Island development in June 2025. Once a MAC has been granted, SFPC will be able to apply for planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála.
My Department continues to provide support to Shannon Foynes through regular engagement and exploration of financing options with a view to maximising all opportunities available to Shannon Foynes (and all commercial state ports) to develop this key infrastructure. This includes facilitating engagement with potential financing partners such as the Irish Strategic Investment Fund and the European Investment Bank as well as the Connecting Europe Facility.
