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Freight volumes through Rosslare Europort up 53% in two years

The volume of freight passing through Rosslare Europort has grown by 53% over the past two years.

The performance took the total number of units handled by the port to over 200,000 last year for the first time.

Trade directly to and from continental Europe has risen by 398% over the past two years, driven by the impact of Brexit.

Over 550,000 people also used the port in 2022, up 128% on a year earlier, as travel resumed in earnest as the pandemic eased.

It leaves the passenger numbers just 5% shy of the levels recorded before the pandemic began in 2019.

"2022 was a tremendous year for freight at the port and we also welcomed back significant passenger numbers using Rosslare," said Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units, Iarnród Éireann which is the Port Authority for Rosslare Euoport.

"As we go through 2023 and beyond, we will see historic levels of investment in numerous projects.

Among the €350m in investments planned for the port are new freight and passenger facilities, storage, export and import facilities, berth extensions, a new freight entrance, new car parking areas, lighting, security and complete resurfacing of all ground areas.

The port's operations are also undergoing a digital transformation.

Rosslare is also expected to become a hub for offshore renewables, with infrastructural developments taking place to enable that to happen.

The Office of Public Works is also building a Border Control Post at the port, while a new port access road is being developed, taking trucks away from the village.

"Not only will these reinforce Rosslare Europort's position as Ireland’s Gateway for freight and passenger traffic to Europe, but will also see the port emerge as Ireland’s national hub to support the Offshore Renewable Wind projects planned for the Irish and Celtic Seas," said Mr Carr.

In total there are now 58 weekly services between Rosslare and the UK and 34 between there and the EU.

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