Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
308. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update on the Port of Cork phase 1 development at Ringaskiddy as part of Connecting Europe Facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, developers have 3.8GW of offshore wind energy projects in our planning system, with expectation for these projects to be in construction by 2030. The Government's Climate Action Plan also outlines longer term ambitions of 20GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 and 37GW by 2050, inclusive of fixed-bottom and floating wind farms. My Department is facilitating the commercial State ports in building enabling infrastructure to service this demand.
Considering this, the Port of Cork Company (PoCC), a commercial State port, commenced work on its development at Ringaskiddy in October 2024 and is expected to complete works on the first phase of their Marshalling and Assembly (M&A) facility for Offshore Renewable Energy, (ORE) in 2026, well in advance of demand by developers.
Port of Cork Company - Connecting Europe Fund overview
The proposed developments of two berth extensions at Ringaskiddy will ensure continued safe and reliable maritime access within the EU TEN-T network while also providing the necessary facilities to allow the port to act as a deployment hub for ORE projects.
PoCC plans to have the developments at Ringaskiddy operational and serving the ORE industry by 2027/2028.
PoCC was successful in its application for funding under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding instrument, and has been awarded €38.42 million for their two-berth development at Ringaskiddy.
Port of Cork CORE 1 Project Update
Port of Cork Company is progressing the construction of the multi-modal berth CORE 1 at Ringaskiddy East. The berth represents Phase One of the multi-phase development planned at Ringaskiddy. The development consists of a single berth with depth of 13m, quay length of 200m and nearby laydown/quayside area and a storage yard.
The development will be the first port in Ireland with facility for ORE deployment and will allow the port to facilitate M&A in time for the phase 1 ORE projects in Irish waters. The facility will also be well placed to service future development projects which will come from the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan. The time for substantial completion for the CORE 1 works is planned for mid-2026, well in advance of when it is expected to be required by ORE developers
