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Tel: +353 (0)69 73100 Email: info@sfpc.ie
Main Menu
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Slide

Limerick Docklands Framework Strategy
COMPASS Schools Competition






Shannon Foynes Port, Ireland’s second largest port operator and largest bulk
port company, has statutory jurisdiction over all marine activities on a 500km2
area on the Shannon Estuary, stretching from Kerry to Loop Head to Limerick
City.

 

Adjacent to the world’s busiest shipping routes, with current capacity to handle
over 10 million tonnes annually and with water depths of up to 32m, we are
uniquely positioned to expand as an international cargo hub serving the
domestic, European and worldwide markets. This expansion will be accommodated by
up to 1200 hectares of land available for Port development.

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NEWS & EVENTS

07 June 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT SIGNS MOU WITH NORWEGION OFFSHORE WIND

Shannon Foynes Port signs MOU with world leaders in floating offshore wind

MOU with Norwegian Offshore Wind to support Ireland and Norway in reaching their
renewable ambitions

Tuesday, June 7, 2022:  Shannon Foynes Port Company has stated that Ireland has
the potential to not only meet its climate change targets but become one of
Europe’s leading renewable energy nations as it signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with one of the world’s leaders in offshore wind generation.

The signing of the MOU with Norwegian Offshore Wind is a further endorsement of
plans to transform the Shannon Estuary into an international floating offshore
wind hub that will enable Ireland surpass long-term climate change targets and,
moreover, become a major global renewable energy generator. The MOU will enable
collaboration between SFPC and offshore wind interests in Norway, providing a
framework for further collaboration on market activities towards both the Irish
and Norwegian offshore wind market. Moreover, the agreement provides a platform
for research, development and innovation (RDI) activities for Irish and
Norwegian companies. Norway is already a world leader in offshore wind and its
government last month launched a large-scale investment plan aimed at allocating
sea areas to develop 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040. "The ports in
Norway and Ireland are a vital component in the supply chain in offshore wind,
and thus imperative for the countries in Northern Europe to reach their
renewable ambitions,” said Arvid Nesse, General Manager of Norwegian Offshore
Wind. “This agreement will strengthen the cooperation between the ports along
the Norwegian coast and one of the hubs for floating wind in Ireland. I am
convinced that the agreement will create a cooperation platform for market and
RDI activities that will be mutually beneficial for Norway, Ireland and the
entire industry in Northern Europe. This agreement additionally provides
Norwegian companies with opportunities in the fast emerging Irish offshore wind
market", Shannon Foynes Port Company CEO Pat Keating said:  “Norway is a world
leader in the development of floating wind and it’s this very technology that
will enable Ireland to not alone meet its longer term climate change targets but
become an international energy hub for the first time in our history. The
Shannon Estuary will be a key enabler of that because of its proximity to
offshore winds and its deep waters, which are essential for supply chain.
“Ireland’s potential from floating offshore wind generation off the West coast
alone stands at 70GW, which is 12 times our current installed wind capacity on
land. So what we now need to do is to realise that opportunity and being able to
partner with global leaders like Norway will be a key enabler of that. Norwegian
Offshore Wind’s partnership with us on this MOU reflects just how big that
opportunity is and we look forward to working closely with them to progress this
mutually beneficial relationship.” ENDS Norwegian Offshore Wind is a cluster
organization located on the West coast of Norway with a national scope on
delivering a strong global supply chain in offshore wind. NOW has over 350
member companies that cover the entire supply chain in offshore wind. Several
ports along the Norwegian coast are member of the cluster and have an objective
of positioning themselves in several offshore wind markets in the North Sea and
beyond. The ports and relevant stakeholders in the cluster are looking for
strategic partnership in Ireland. Shannon Foynes Port Company is Ireland’s
second largest port operator and largest bulk port company, and has statutory
jurisdiction over all marine activities on a 500km2 area on the Shannon Estuary,
stretching from Kerry to Loop Head to Limerick City on Ireland’s Atlantic
Coastline. Shannon Foynes Port Company is an EU Core Network Port (TEN-T) and a
Tier 1 Port in the National Ports Policy, effectively designating the Shannon
Estuary as a commercial water course of international significance. The Shannon
Estuary represents a transformative economic and environmental opportunity as an
international renewable energy and logistics hub. SFPC has recently appointed
Bechtel, a world leader in strategic planning and development of ports, to
update its Vision 2041 masterplan to maximise the opportunity emerging from
offshore and onshore investment within and adjacent to its harbours in Ireland.
ABOUT MOU The Norwegian Offshore Wind and Shannon Foynes Port Company MOU
provides for the following:
 * Shared events where the membership of both parties are invited to
   participate. Topics for such events to be decided by mutual agreement between
   the parties or by input from their membership.
 * Opportunities to do business – both parties agree to disseminate
   opportunities to do business. These can take the form of ‘Meet the Buyer’
   industry events in either country, knowledge of tender opportunities,
   innovation funding calls etc.
 * Partnership working – encourage knowledge exchange between respective cluster
   members and assist the members to form partnerships or joint ventures to win
   new business (from any of the activities outlined in 2. above) or develop new
   products and services.
 * Dissemination – support the sharing of media campaigns, press activity,
   online media and other promotional activity from either cluster through
   cluster networks
 * Joint Research, development and Innovation projects – stimulate the parties
   to establish joint RDI projects in the Irish offshore wind marked or the
   Norwegian Offshore Wind market.

The collaboration agreement was signed by Alfred Risan, leader of Norwegian
Offshore Wind working group on Ireland, and Jose Jerry Hallissey, Head of
Business development at Shannon Foynes Port Company. For further information,
contact:
 * Norwegian Offshore Wind: Arvid Nesse, arvid.nesse@offshore-wind.no, +47 975
   97 384
 * Shannon Foynes Port Company: Jerry Hallisey, jhallissey@sfpc.ie, +353 (0) 87
   7054187
 * Teneo: Eugene Hogan, eugene.hogan@teneo.com, +353 (0) 87 2497290

Read more

05 May 2022


BECHTEL TO DELIVER PORT MASTERPLAN TO SUPPORT IRELAND

Bechtel to deliver port masterplan to support Ireland’s emerging offshore wind
industry

Shannon Foynes Port expansion will enhance its status as key hub for European
trade and renewable energy Focus in updated plan will be on Estuary as a hub for
floating offshore wind, hydrogen and other green fuels production and logistics
Thursday, 05 May 2022: The transformative economic and environmental potential
of the Shannon Estuary as an international renewable energy and logistics hub
has been reaffirmed by the appointment by Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) of
Bechtel to advance its masterplan, Vision 2041. Bechtel, a world leader in
strategic planning and development of ports, will update the masterplan to
maximise the opportunity emerging from offshore and onshore investment within
and adjacent to its harbours in Ireland. Vision 2041, which was launched in
2013, was Ireland’s first long-term port strategy and set out ambitious targets
for the development of port infrastructure and services along the Shannon
Estuary. The intervening period has seen all targets for investment and growth
met by SFPC, which has now engaged Bechtel to work with it in updating the
masterplan. This will have a strong focus on SFPC’s role as a key enabler of the
unprecedented renewable energy opportunity from floating offshore wind off the
Atlantic seaboard and related production of alternative shipping fuels that,
together, will transform Shannon Foynes into a leading European port. Planned
expansion at the port, including a new 1kilometer dock with depths of over 18m
alongside and associated quayside storage, will increase port capacity to 20m
tons per annum and will be accommodated by up to 1,200 hectares of land zoned
for strategic development. The port’s proximity to the Atlantic wind resource
provides the opportunity for it to become a major international renewable energy
hub. Given the 80GW of capacity available off the Atlantic seaboard and the port
proximity to this, SFPC will be a key enabler for Ireland reaching and
surpassing its 20GW offshore wind target by 2050. The expanded facilities at
Shannon Foynes would include hydrogen and ammonia production facilities for
long-term energy storage and will also consider the export of the renewable
energy/fuels produced. Bechtel’s role will be to assess and refresh the port’s
masterplan to best leverage these advantages, further boost growth and support
the region’s emerging offshore wind industry. John Williams, Bechtel’s managing
director for the UK and Ireland said: “There is an increasingly strong case for
investing in port infrastructure to support the growth in offshore wind and the
importance of creating local supply chains cannot be underestimated. Ports act
as focal points during the manufacturing, installation and operation of offshore
wind farms and Shannon Foynes is strategically ideal to support Ireland’s
offshore wind industry, as well as expand to play an even greater role in
European shipping. We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with
Shannon Foynes Port Company on their Masterplan update.” Patrick Keating, Chief
Executive of SFPC said: “Nine years ago, Vision 2041 was considered a very
ambitious masterplan, yet we have since met all the higher end growth targets
identified for the interim period. In it we also identified the opportunity
ahead for what were then only emerging sectors, such as offshore renewables. The
Estuary is now viewed not alone by SFPC but the sector internationally as an
emerging renewable energy supply-chain hub. In addition, there is the
complementary growth potential for the estuary as a major logistics centre. “The
acceleration of these opportunities necessitates the updating of Vision 2041 so
that we have a strategic roadmap for realising the unprecedented opportunity for
the company, the region and, indeed, the State. This is a critical moment for us
and we are delighted to have Bechtel supporting us. Bechtel’s portfolio spans
infrastructure, renewables, fuel production, and financing and makes them
uniquely qualified to help us maximise the benefits of our deep-water advantage
and our expansion plan, along with the job creation, supplier opportunities,
economic growth that it will bring. We look forward to finalising the report
over the coming months and unveiling this ambition to place Ireland at the
global top-table for renewable energy and logistics.” Bechtel are global experts
in ports, having delivered facilities around the globe, including Khalifa Port,
the most advanced trading hub in the Middle East. Over 40 years ago, Bechtel was
involved in the construction of Aughinish Alumina, the largest industrial
complex on the Shannon estuary and adjacent to Foynes port. Bechtel is taking a
growing position in Ireland supporting the renewal of infrastructure and the
growth of renewables, having been recently appointed by daa as its integrated
delivery partner for Dublin Airport’s capital investment program and also in
supporting the Ervia Cork Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) Project
PreFEED study for the development of CO2 transport pipeline networks,
liquefaction, storage, and shipping facilities for CO2 clusters in Ireland. This
project is part funded by the European Commission under the Connecting Europe
Facility funding instrument. Ends About Bechtel Bechtel is a trusted
engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and
government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive
to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our
customers’ objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have
helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all
seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the
resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources,
and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. Bechtel serves
the Energy; Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; and Mining &
Metals markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through
start-up and operations. www.bechtel.com About SFPC SFPC has statutory
jurisdiction over all marine activities on the Shannon Estuary and is Ireland’s,
and one of Europe’s, deepest sheltered estuaries. The estuary covers
500-kilometre square of commercial waters stretching from Kerry to Loop Head to
Limerick City. Alongside the world’s busiest shipping routes and with water
depths of up to 32-metres, the port is uniquely positioned to expand as a cargo
hub serving the domestic, European and worldwide markets. The port is already a
key enabler of industrial activity and employment in the Mid-West region of
Ireland and currently has the capacity to handle over 10-million tonnes
annually.

Read more

16 March 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT COMPANY WELCOMES GOVERNMENT & THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
CONTINUED SUPPORT AND HIGH PRIORITY LISTING OF THE NEED FOR THE M21
LIMERICK-ADARE BYPASS/N69 LINK TO FOYNES.

Shannon Foynes Port’s record investment a key step in transforming estuary into
international hub for floating offshore wind generation €28m investment will
deliver new jetty infrastructure as well as one of Ireland’s largest logistics
buildings A record €28million investment in jetty infrastructure and a port
logistics park has been announced by Shannon Foynes Port Company today in a
significant step in transitioning the Shannon Estuary into a major international
renewable energy supply-chain hub. The unprecedent investment, which is fully
and co-funded by Shannon Foynes Port Company and the EU’s ‘Connecting Europe
Facility’, will include a significant expansion of quayside area through the
joining and infilling of two existing jetties. This will deliver an additional
117m of jetty set down/storage area by linking the existing east and west
jetties at the port, substantially boosting existing quayside set down space.
Also included in the investment programme is the development of one of the
country’s largest logistics buildings in a significant boost to national bulk
and unitized freight supply chain infrastructure. The 127,000 sq ft facility
will be the key element in a new 38 hectares port logistics park that will have
the potential for a future 400,000 sq ft of modern logistics warehousing over
the coming decade and a half. Planning permission and foreshore consents for the
developments, which amount to the largest ever financial commitment in civil
works by the port company, have been secured, with work already underway on the
new jetty and associated set down area following construction procurement. Work
on the logistics park, which will become the largest building at the Tier 1
international port, will commence in Q3 of this year, with all works completed
in the first half of 2024. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which is
co-funding the project, is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs
and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European
level. It supports the development of high performing, sustainable and
efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in the fields of transport,
energy and digital services. CEF investments fill the missing links in Europe's
energy, transport and digital backbone. Shannon Foynes Port Company Chief
Executive Pat Keating said: “This investment reflects the unprecedented
opportunity for the Shannon Estuary and Shannon Foynes Port Company. It
represents the next stage of implementation of our investment programme and,
importantly, lays the foundation for further required scalable capacity
investments to accommodate growth in both the offshore renewable sector and the
transport sector. For example, our objective to be the supply chain facilitator
for an Atlantic floating offshore wind energy hub and related hydrogen
production will be transformational in terms of our climate action targets, our
national economy and energy security. “We have some of the most consistent winds
in the world off the west coast, the technology now in place to harness those
winds through floating offshore wind and, in the Shannon Estuary, the deep and
sheltered waters necessary to build the floating devices before they are brought
out into open ocean waters.  The world’s leading players in this space want to
invest here and leading nations, such as Germany, want the green hydrogen we can
generate from this almost limitless renewable energy. But for all this to
happen, we need to invest heavily in our infrastructure and the plans we are
announcing today are significant step in that regard.” Shannon Foynes Port
Company’s Offshore Floating Wind Study conservatively estimates that up to €12bn
in associated supply chain investment could be located on the Shannon Estuary by
2050, with an opportunity to create up to 30,000 jobs. Spekaing on the
significant investment in logistics, John Carlton, Engineering and Port Services
Manager at Shannon Foynes Port Company said, “Our new logistics park will be a
game changer for bulk and containerised goods in Ireland. There is unanimity
around the need to counterbalance and build resilience in the national supply
chain and, in keeping with the National Development Plan , a key facilitator of
this is to promote regional development by optimising capacity outside the
congested east coast. Developing modern logistics facilities at the deep-water
port of Foynes provides new logistics solutions for the western half of the
country, offering more efficient and sustainable market access for importers and
exporters alike by reducing the ton per kilometer travelled.” Shannon Foynes
Port Company Chairman David McGarry added: “When we launched our Vision 2041
masterplan in 2013, it was seen as a hugely ambitious strategy, yet we have
reached its growth targets. The record investment we are announcing today, which
is our biggest single commitment yet, is the latest but a key element of that
masterplan.” Ends

Read more

21 December 2021


SFPC WELCOMES GOVERNMENT, MINISTERS AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, MULTI-PORT
APPROACH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF IRISH PORTS FOR ORE AS OUTLINED IN ITS NEW PORT
POLICY STATEMENT.

 

Government sets policy for Ireland’s commercial ports to develop infrastructure
to support offshore renewable energy

Policy will encourage ports to apply for EU funding

Timely development as Oireachtas passes the Maritime Area Planning Bill

The Department of Transport has published a Policy Statement setting out the
strategy for commercial ports to facilitate offshore renewable energy activity
in the seas around Ireland. The Policy Statement, noted by Government last week,
will also assist Ireland’s commercial TEN-T ports in applying for EU funding to
develop new infrastructure. It’s part of a series of Government measures to
prepare for a massive expansion of offshore renewable energy, including the
passing last week of the Maritime Area Planning Bill.   The Programme for
Government set a target for 70% of electricity to be generated from renewable
sources by 2030 and for 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Climate Action Plan
published on 4th November 2021 (CAP 21) has since increased the target to up to
80% renewable electricity by 2030.   Both plans also set out how Ireland will
take advantage of the potential of at least 30GW of floating offshore wind power
in our deeper waters in the Atlantic. Given Ireland’s increased ambition in
Offshore Renewable Energy and pending a review of overall National Ports Policy,
the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development
Office (IMDO), conducted an assessment of the options for Irish State ports to
facilitate the ORE sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emission reduction
targets. On receiving the recommendations of that assessment, the Minister for
Transport has decided that a multi-port approach will be required. A number of
ports will be required to provide facilities for the different activities at
several locations around the country and at different times for the various
phases of the fixed and floating ORE developments.   This will maximise the
economic benefits at both regional and national level in terms of job creation
and new SME enterprises in areas such as engineering, fabrication, transport and
logistics, and other technologies.   With one of the best offshore renewable
energy resources globally, there is very significant potential in utilising
these resources to generate carbon-free renewable electricity. The development
of this vast resource can enable Ireland to enhance the security of energy
supply by substituting imported fossil fuels with indigenous renewable resources
and, potentially, by developing an export market in green energy, either through
electricity export from interconnectors or from power to gas such as hydrogen
generation. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced, while delivering growth to
the economy and supporting regional development.     Commenting Minister Ryan
said:- ‘Offshore renewable energy developments will typically require both
large-scale port infrastructure for project deployment and smaller-scale port
facilities to provide ongoing operation and maintenance services. Around the
Irish coast, ORE projects will develop in several phases. To meet Ireland’s
target of 5GW by 2030, it is clear that more than one port will be required.
This will mean new jobs and new businesses in and near our ports, to support the
development of offshore wind at various locations, beginning on the east coast
and expanding to the west coast at a later stage.   This approach is best suited
to deliver the offshore renewable energy targets set out in the Programme for
Government and the Climate Action Plan 21, and to position Ireland to take
advantage of the economic opportunity created by the roll out of both fixed and
floating offshore wind in Irish waters.   This Policy Statement makes it clear
to the offshore industry that the Government is committed to the provision of
port facilities in Ireland for ORE developments, and I would encourage our TEN-T
ports to apply for the EU funding that has recently been made available for this
sector.’   A number of ports and private entities are already progressing plans
to provide the facilities and infrastructure required to assist the ORE sector
to develop in Ireland. This Policy Statement endorses that development.   The
plans underway include preparations for the provision of large-scale deployment
facilities at Rosslare Europort and at Cork Dockyard facility (formerly Verolme
Dockyard) located within the limits of the Port of Cork.  Drogheda Port is also
proposing developing largescale deep water port facilities on the East coast and
Shannon Foynes Port Company and ESB are planning largescale development within
the Shannon Foynes estuary.   Wicklow and Arklow have already entered
arrangements with individual ORE project developers to serve as operation and
maintenance bases.   It is recognised that there will be opportunities for other
ports such as the ports of Waterford, Galway, Bantry under the Port of Cork, and
the Fishery Harbour Centres of Ros an Mhíl, Killybegs and Castletownbere which
are under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.   The
Department of Transport will establish a ports co-ordination Group to coordinate
port responses and maintain policy alignment.   A cross-departmental Offshore
Renewable Energy Team, chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and
Communications, is being established to capture wider economic and business
opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland.
This will include the identification of supporting infrastructure development
and supply chain opportunities as Ireland’s offshore wind industry is developed.
  Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton added:- ‘This Policy Statement gives
clarity to the ORE sector and ports and I would strongly encourage ORE
developers and ports to engage in meaningful commercial discussions. This will
ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term
progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary
obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade. This year,
the criteria for Connecting Europe Funding facility (CEF) which is the funding
instrument for the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), was extended
to allow partial funding for ORE related port infrastructure. This is a
competitive process with the possibility of successful eligible TEN-T applicants
obtaining significant grant funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for studies
and up to 30% of infrastructure works costs. My Department will assist, as
appropriate, those applicants that are eligible to put forward applications for
studies or works under the CEF calls’.   The Ministers also extended their
thanks to the Irish Maritime Development Office for their assistance in the
assessment process.   ENDS  

Read more

20 December 2021


SHANNON FOYNES PORT COMPANY WELCOMES GOVERNMENT & THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
CONTINUED SUPPORT AND HIGH PRIORITY LISTING OF THE NEED FOR THE M21
LIMERICK-ADARE BYPASS/N69 LINK TO FOYNES.

 

Over Two-thirds of a Billion Euro Allocated to Ireland’s National Roads and
Greenways for 2022

Major expansion of Greenway network to be facilitated by funding and a new Code
of Practice

National Road projects will prioritise safety, regional connectivity, bypasses
and key NDP projects

  The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. has today confirmed that Transport
Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has issued the Greenways and national road funding
allocations totalling €676 million to local authorities for 2022. TII is
responsible for securing the provision of a safe and efficient road network and
provides annual funding allocations to local authorities for this purpose. TII
has also recently been assigned responsibility for Greenways. Funding of circa
€60 million has been allocated to around 40 Greenway projects across the country
in 2022, in nearly every single county. Significant Greenway investment is being
directed at the border counties; Donegal is progressing a number of Greenways
and Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Louth are also receiving investment that will
see an expansion of cross-border Greenways. Many local authorities are now
working together to progress projects in their region. Cork and Waterford are
developing a Mallow to Dungarvan route, and Sligo, Cavan and Leitrim are working
with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to develop the Collooney to
Enniskillen route. Minister Ryan said: “This funding will also support
extensions of the Grand Canal Greenway in Offaly, Kildare and South Dublin, link
the North Kerry Greenway to the Limerick Greenway, and join the Waterford to New
Ross Greenway with the Waterford Greenway. We are moving into a new and exciting
phase when more and more Greenways are being connected, with TII also developing
a National Cycle Network.” Minister Ryan continued: “I’m particularly happy that
agreement has been reached on a Code of Best Practice for National and Regional
Greenways. This Code has been agreed with the farming representative bodies and
other stakeholders and provides us with an approved way to achieve voluntary
land sales for Greenways where needed. Community buy-in is central to the future
of our Greenways, which are one of the big success stories of rural Ireland.
Greenways are a wonderful amenity for leisure and tourism, and they are also
important for everyday journeys to school, work or the shops” Minister of State
Hildegarde Naughton T.D. said “The Galway to Dublin Greenway, a 330km car-free
corridor between Galway and Dublin, linking the Atlantic coast to the East
coast, has a particularly exciting focus in the funding being announced today.
Counties including Meath, Kildare, Westmeath, Offaly will benefit from
investment towards this project. Once complete, the Dublin-Galway project will
provide both a local and national amenity for communities and visitors to enjoy
while also supporting local business such as cafés, shops, B&Bs, camping sites
and hotels. “As a Minister based in the West of Ireland, I am also very pleased
to see the Connemara Greenway receive a strong funding allocation of over €3
million in 2022. This funding includes the routes between Clifden to Recess
(€1.9 million), Galway to Moycullen (€600k) and Derrygimlagh-Clifden-Kylemore
Abbey (€550k). I very much look forward to cycling this route, some of which is
due to be completed in the second half of next year.”   Funding for National
Roads   Approximately €616m of Exchequer funds have been provided for national
roads through TII to local authorities in 2022 (regional and local roads are
allocated separately). The 2022 funding allocations are made having regard for
the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP), which balances investment in
transport against other priorities of Government on housing and health over the
lifetime of the Plan. TII is allocating the funding in a manner which seeks to
achieve the following key outcomes in line with the NDP:
 * Protection and renewal of the existing network.
 * Progress major projects in or near construction.
 * Progress those projects which are further along in the development pipeline,
   e.g., the N21/N69 Foynes/Adare project and the M28 Cork Ringaskiddy project.
 * Prioritise any remaining funds for projects which provide for local bypasses
   and compact growth in towns.

Funding has been allocated to the following projects which are currently under
or close to construction:
 * N56 Dungloe to Glenties
 * N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom
 * N5 Westport to Turlough
 * N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge
 * M8/N40 Dunkettle Interchange
 * N59 Moycullen Bypass
 * N69 Listowel Bypass

Funding has also been allocated to the following projects which are at an
earlier stage in the development process:
 * M21 Limerick – Adare Bypass/N69 link to Foynes
 * M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy
 * N6 Galway City Ring Road
 * N52 Ardee bypass
 * N2 Slane Bypass
 * N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross
 * N2 Ardee to Castleblayney
 * N13/N14/N56 Donegal TEN-T Project
 * N3 Virginia Bypass
 * N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod
 * N11 Oilgate to Rosslare
 * N17 Collooney to Knock
 * N21 Abbeyfeale Relief Road
 * N21 Newcastle West Relief Road
 * N22 Farranfore to Killarney
 * N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction, incl. Tipperary Bypass
 * N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road
 * N3 Clonee to M50 - to interface to BusConnects
 * N11 Bray to Kilmacanogue - bus lane component
 * M4 Maynooth to Leixlip - bus lane component
 * N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project
 * N25 Castlemartyr and Killeagh Bypass
 * N26 Foxford Bypass

Minister Ryan commented “Today’s allocations are an important step in a pathway
of planned investment in our national road network over the coming decade. A
priority for the Government is to advance safe, clean, liveable towns and
communities. This investment will help to take heavy traffic out of our main
streets, giving towns back to residents and shoppers. It will also provide scope
for greater Active Travel options (walking and cycling) in town centres. Reduced
traffic volumes will allow for “compact growth” in town centres, providing
possibilities for residential development. For that reason, we will see a
renewed focus on supporting local by-passes.” Minister Naughton commented “These
allocations will allow us to build on the large-scale road investment that has
taken place over the last 20 years which has helped improve regional
connectivity. As a result, our first priority should be to protect our existing
national roads, ensuring that they are in a safe and robust condition for all
road users. Over the lifetime of the NDP, €2.9 billion has been earmarked for
this purpose. “As part of the NDP, Government has also earmarked €5.1 billion
for spending on new national roads projects until 2030. While the greater
portion of this funding will become available during the second half of the
decade, many projects will continue to be advanced. A large majority of projects
under the NDP have been issued with a funding allocation for 2022. While some
projects may not be considered for appraisal until 2023 or beyond, no projects
have been ruled out.”     ENDS  

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31 August 2022


FOYNES TO LIMERICK ROAD

Foynes to Limerick road is key infrastructure for unlocking Estuary’s potential
as global renewable energy and logistics hub – Shannon Foynes Port The Chief
Executive of Shannon Foynes Port Company, Pat Keating, has said that the Foynes
to Limerick road is a one of the key infrastructure elements that will assist in
unlocking the Shannon Estuary’s potential as a global renewable energy and
logistics hub. Welcoming the approval of the road by An Bord Pleanála today, Mr
Keating said that it is imperative that the development of the road is
prioritised so we can capitalise on the unprecedented opportunity for the State
from both floating offshore wind and improving the capacity of the national
supply chain. “The granting of approval for the road is a hugely welcome
development as it is critical enabling infrastructure for realising the
potential of the Shannon Estuary as a global floating offshore wind energy and
associated alternative green fuels production, and logistics hub. “The
opportunity for the Estuary is at a scale that will be transformative from an
economic perspective for the region and, indeed, the State. Moreover, it will
have national and international impact on the fight against climate change as we
have an infinite supply of renewable energy in the Atlantic accessed from the
Shannon Estuary.  These renewable resources will not only serve Irish energy
demand but can also support Europe in unwinding its dependence on Russian gas by
the production of green alternative fuels. “But for all that to happen, we need
to transform our port infrastructure and the 35km Limerick to Foynes road is an
essential element of that. Together with the regeneration of the rail link from
Limerick to Foynes, the contract for which is now out to tender, this will
ensure the port has the type of connectivity essential for it to play this
pivotal role in Ireland’s future. “The road already has government backing
through the National Development Plan and now has approval from the relevant
planning authority. But we must ensure that the project is prioritised and that
we can move quickly through to final approval stage and, ultimately, to the
development of the road.” Mr Keating said that the Foynes to Limerick road has
been a priority for the port authority since the launch of our masterplan,
Vision 2041, almost a decade ago. “Such is the opportunity for the Estuary now
that we have engaged Bechtel, who are world leaders in strategic planning and
development of ports, to update it. We see the granting of approval for the road
as further validation of this opportunity.” He added:  “This new road
facilitates the sustainable development of the immense  renewable energy
resources in the Atlantic by properly connecting the adjoining  deepwater port
of Foynes on the Shannon Estuary and as such is so much more than a road.  It’s
key to unlocking our green energy future as well as providing resilience on the
national supply chain. So the commitment of the Mid-West Road Design Office,
Limerick City and County Council, the wider stakeholder community and, indeed,
An Bord Pleanála for its careful consideration, must be acknowledged in getting
us to this important juncture.” Ends  

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16 August 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT WELCOMES TENDER FOR RAIL REINSTATEMENT

Shannon Foynes Port welcomes tender for Limerick to Foynes rail reinstatement
Road commitment also essential if estuary is to become renewable energy and
logistics hub Monday, August 15, 2022:  Shannon Foynes Port Company Chief
Executive Pat Keating has said that the regeneration of the Limerick to Foynes
rail line is one of two transport links essential for delivering on the
unprecedented opportunity for the estuary as a global floating offshore wind
energy and transhipment hub. Welcoming the recent opening of an ‘expression of
interest’ tender for works on the 42km line, Mr Keating said that the rail link
will be of great benefit to the wider project but even more essential is the
road link to Foynes. “The expression of interest tender is a very significant
moment within our wider plans to capitalise on the unprecedented opportunity for
the Shannon Estuary as it gives even greater certainty that this important rail
connectivity is going to happen. This is a strategic move that will enhance
connectivity to Foynes port but also help to decarbonise the supply chain by
transferring significant cargo tonnages from road to rail. “However, the primary
access to and from Foynes will still be road and it’s essential that the Foynes
to Limerick road goes ahead as soon as possible. It will carry by far the
majority of goods to and from Foynes, goods and materials that rail cannot
accommodate.  So, while we are delighted with announcement regarding the
reinstatement of rail, we look forward to an early commitment, too, on the
Foynes to Limerick road,” he said. He continued: “We appreciate the expediency
regarding the rail reinstatement but it is essential, too, that we get moving on
addressing our road infrastructure. Shannon Foynes is a Core Corridor Port under
the EU’s Ten-t Regulations. These regulations require that upgraded hinterland
connections, ie road and rail, are in place by 2030. “In addition, the Shannon
Estuary can become an international floating offshore wind and related green
fuels generation hub, but our current road network links are an impediment to
that.  We must move quickly, however, as time is not on our side when it comes
to energy security and climate change. The Estuary can be an enabler for
addressing those critical issues for not just Ireland but Europe, with
transformative economic as well as environmental impact, but it won’t happen
without the necessary infrastructure,” he said. Mr Keating added that the rail
project is also very much endorsed at European level. “In 2015 we secured
€800,000 from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility for a Feasibility and Detailed
Design study, including all associated consenting requirements, for the
regeneration of the rail link in 2015. Those works were completed in 2019 and
were part funded also by Shannon Foynes Port Company and undertaken by Irish
Rail. As a result, the reinstatement of the 40km Limerick to Foynes line is now
shovel ready so moving to this next ‘expressions of interest’ stage to realise
this opportunity is a key moment,” he said. Ends  

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27 July 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT COMPANY REPORTS RECORD PROFITABILITY LEVELS IN 2021

Annual report reveals that company is operating at historically high levels

Tuesday, 26 July 2022:  Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) has reported another
very strong year in 2021, with record earnings achieved for the year and profit
before taxation exceeding €5.2 million for the first time. The performance was
down to a mix of recovery from Covid-19 impacts sooner than expected, a
resurgent economy and the supply/demand imbalance in the energy generation
sector, the report reveals. With tonnage throughputs increasing by 16% to 10.9
million tonnes, turnover increased by 23.8% to €16 million (2020: €12.9
million). Tonnages were particularly strong in the agriculture and construction
sectors, with the export of cement and related imports growing strongly.
Overall, SFPC’s general cargo terminals of Limerick and Foynes performed
strongly, with year-on-year throughput increases of 9.9%, manifesting in these
terminals now operating at historically high levels. In addition to throughput
and turnover growth, stringent cost management remained a core focus resulting
in returning a significantly improved EBITDA margin of 47.5% (2020: 42.9%) and
historically high EBITDA of €7.6 million (2020: €5.6 million). Commenting on the
performance, Shannon Foynes Port CEO Patrick Keating said that despite
challenges of 2022, he remained confident about the company’s future:
“Notwithstanding the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine, we remain confident
that there are significant opportunities to grow and expand the Port at the
operating level. With an expanded business development function, we have
identified targeted areas that will drive revenue growth over the short, medium
and long term.” Mr Keating said that Since 2011 - the base year of the company’s
masterplan,  Vision 2041 - tonnage at its general cargo terminals increased by
60%, even accounting for the COVID contraction. This performance is also
reflected in the company’s balance sheet, with  net assets increasing by 281% to
€54m since 2010 and with annual net operating cashflow increasing by over 170%
over the same period. Mr Keating said that due to the increased tonnage
throughputs projected in Vision 2041, the ongoing roll-out of the company’s
investment programme is continuing at pace. Following the completion of Phase 1
at a cost of €12m, construction has now commenced on Phases II through to IV.
These phases, costing a total of €33m, will involve construction of 117m of new
quay to join the East and West Jetties, infilling for associated quay set down
together with the development of 38 hectares site at Foynes as a port business
park. These represent the largest capital projects ever undertaken by the
Company and are scheduled to complete in 2023. Mr Keating said that the company
will have a significant part to play in assisting the country’s transition to a
low carbon economy due to its role as an international offshore renewable energy
hub. “Our medium-term Capital Investment Program has been reviewed to ensure
that the Port will have the necessary capacity for the medium term to
accommodate this transition, particularly with regard to offshore renewables and
deep water berth capacity,” he said. Commenting on the results, David McGarry,
Chairperson of SFPC said: “The year not only recorded great financial success
but also notable progress on several fronts with regards to SFPC’s Strategic
Plan. With SFPC making strides internally, it also remains one of the foremost
economic drivers for the Mid-West Region.” Mr McGarry said that the Board had
made significant progress on realising the objectives of the Strategic Plan
2021–2025.  The company has now updated its objectives with the drafting of a
2022-2026 Strategic Plan, which has been delivered to the Department of
Transport and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with the report
expected to be approved soon. ENDS

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28 June 2022


PROFESSOR PÉTER BALÁZS SAYS PORT AUTHORITY ON RIGHT TRACK DURING RECENT VISIT TO
FOYNES

Shannon Foynes Port Company strategy in keeping with RePower EU and The Green
Deal plans – leading European Commission official states Professor Péter Balázs
says port authority on right track during visit to Foynes Professor Péter
Balázs, European Coordinator in the framework of a key European Commission
transport infrastructure development programme, has said that Shannon Foynes
Port Company’s long term plans to become an international renewable energy hub
are fully aligned with EU policy. Professor Péter Balázs, European Coordinator
for the North Sea-Mediterranean Core Network Corridor, said that the very
ambitious plans of the Shannon Estuary port authority align with the overarching
EU Green Deal strategy to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 and
the more recent RePower EU plan to transition away from dependency on Russian
fossil fuel. Speaking following a visit to Foynes, during which he was updated
on progress in relation to projects jointly funded by the Connecting Europe
Facility (CEF), Professor Balázs said that future funding applications must fit
a number of key criteria, not least the importance of the wider project to
Europe. Shannon Foynes Port Company’s plans, he said, go in the right direction.
Professor Balázs was also briefed about the porty authority’s plan to put in
place €300m plus of essential infrastructure, to enable the Shannon Estuary to
become a global renewable energy player and exporter of clean energy and fuels
into Europe, as well as develop unitised cargo activity. “This is my third visit
to Foynes and I have been following the progress on its very ambitious plans
very closely for several years and have been hugely impressed. When selecting
projects, with regard to how best use the funding at disposal, the European
Commission considers several key points, one of which is the European dimension
of projects. Certainly, high on the agenda now is keeping with the EU’s The
Green Deal. Other influencers now are, of course, adapting to the consequences
of Brexit, which has fundamentally changed the geopolitical position of Ireland,
the pandemic, which has interrupted many important supply changes, and now we
have the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Shannon Foynes Port’s strategy
meets these requirements. When we came here first, Shannon Foynes was not on the
map of the EU, but it was on the map of our long term thinking. We have extended
the North Sea - Mediterranean corridor, which I am in charge of, to include
Shannon Foynes, which increases the value of the Irish infrastructure. “The
complex thinking that is being engaged in here is ultimately in keeping with
improving the environmental conditions all across Europe by facilitating the
generation of renewables, using modern fuels, saving energy, transforming the
modal composition of transport by pushing freight from road to rail and water.
There is a very special emphasis on The Green Deal objectives and what’s
happening here aligns with that.” Ireland’s focus on becoming an exporter of
green energy and fuels arising from floating offshore wind generation, Professor
Balázs added, reflects very positively on its relationships within the Europe.
“Ireland has been showing a good example. It is a good model in European
cooperation. Something every member state could and should do is deepen
integration within Europe, because in the fact of all the challenges we have
today, it's important to strengthen cooperation and Ireland is a good partner in
that sense,” he added. Shannon Foynes Port Company Chief Executive Pat Keating
said that the visit was a timely validation of its strategy. “It’s five years
since we had the opportunity to host Professor Balázs here and it was an
opportunity for us to showcase the very positive impact of the funding we have
received so far through the Connecting Europe Facility. The Connecting Europe
Facility is a critical funding partner for us as we seek to put in place the
infrastructure to realise the unprecedented opportunity we have from offshore
renewables. This is opportunity is critical for the region, for the State but
will also enable Ireland to become a significant contributor to the EU’s The
Green Deal and RePower EU. We will be seeking EU funding for what we are trying
to do but will be making a return back to Europe on that investment at a level
perhaps not previously seen.” ENDS  

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10 June 2022


TASKFORCE DELEGATION TO PORT OF ROTTERDAM JUNE 2022

   

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07 June 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT SIGNS MOU WITH NORWEGION OFFSHORE WIND

Shannon Foynes Port signs MOU with world leaders in floating offshore wind

MOU with Norwegian Offshore Wind to support Ireland and Norway in reaching their
renewable ambitions

Tuesday, June 7, 2022:  Shannon Foynes Port Company has stated that Ireland has
the potential to not only meet its climate change targets but become one of
Europe’s leading renewable energy nations as it signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with one of the world’s leaders in offshore wind generation.

The signing of the MOU with Norwegian Offshore Wind is a further endorsement of
plans to transform the Shannon Estuary into an international floating offshore
wind hub that will enable Ireland surpass long-term climate change targets and,
moreover, become a major global renewable energy generator. The MOU will enable
collaboration between SFPC and offshore wind interests in Norway, providing a
framework for further collaboration on market activities towards both the Irish
and Norwegian offshore wind market. Moreover, the agreement provides a platform
for research, development and innovation (RDI) activities for Irish and
Norwegian companies. Norway is already a world leader in offshore wind and its
government last month launched a large-scale investment plan aimed at allocating
sea areas to develop 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040. "The ports in
Norway and Ireland are a vital component in the supply chain in offshore wind,
and thus imperative for the countries in Northern Europe to reach their
renewable ambitions,” said Arvid Nesse, General Manager of Norwegian Offshore
Wind. “This agreement will strengthen the cooperation between the ports along
the Norwegian coast and one of the hubs for floating wind in Ireland. I am
convinced that the agreement will create a cooperation platform for market and
RDI activities that will be mutually beneficial for Norway, Ireland and the
entire industry in Northern Europe. This agreement additionally provides
Norwegian companies with opportunities in the fast emerging Irish offshore wind
market", Shannon Foynes Port Company CEO Pat Keating said:  “Norway is a world
leader in the development of floating wind and it’s this very technology that
will enable Ireland to not alone meet its longer term climate change targets but
become an international energy hub for the first time in our history. The
Shannon Estuary will be a key enabler of that because of its proximity to
offshore winds and its deep waters, which are essential for supply chain.
“Ireland’s potential from floating offshore wind generation off the West coast
alone stands at 70GW, which is 12 times our current installed wind capacity on
land. So what we now need to do is to realise that opportunity and being able to
partner with global leaders like Norway will be a key enabler of that. Norwegian
Offshore Wind’s partnership with us on this MOU reflects just how big that
opportunity is and we look forward to working closely with them to progress this
mutually beneficial relationship.” ENDS Norwegian Offshore Wind is a cluster
organization located on the West coast of Norway with a national scope on
delivering a strong global supply chain in offshore wind. NOW has over 350
member companies that cover the entire supply chain in offshore wind. Several
ports along the Norwegian coast are member of the cluster and have an objective
of positioning themselves in several offshore wind markets in the North Sea and
beyond. The ports and relevant stakeholders in the cluster are looking for
strategic partnership in Ireland. Shannon Foynes Port Company is Ireland’s
second largest port operator and largest bulk port company, and has statutory
jurisdiction over all marine activities on a 500km2 area on the Shannon Estuary,
stretching from Kerry to Loop Head to Limerick City on Ireland’s Atlantic
Coastline. Shannon Foynes Port Company is an EU Core Network Port (TEN-T) and a
Tier 1 Port in the National Ports Policy, effectively designating the Shannon
Estuary as a commercial water course of international significance. The Shannon
Estuary represents a transformative economic and environmental opportunity as an
international renewable energy and logistics hub. SFPC has recently appointed
Bechtel, a world leader in strategic planning and development of ports, to
update its Vision 2041 masterplan to maximise the opportunity emerging from
offshore and onshore investment within and adjacent to its harbours in Ireland.
ABOUT MOU The Norwegian Offshore Wind and Shannon Foynes Port Company MOU
provides for the following:
 * Shared events where the membership of both parties are invited to
   participate. Topics for such events to be decided by mutual agreement between
   the parties or by input from their membership.
 * Opportunities to do business – both parties agree to disseminate
   opportunities to do business. These can take the form of ‘Meet the Buyer’
   industry events in either country, knowledge of tender opportunities,
   innovation funding calls etc.
 * Partnership working – encourage knowledge exchange between respective cluster
   members and assist the members to form partnerships or joint ventures to win
   new business (from any of the activities outlined in 2. above) or develop new
   products and services.
 * Dissemination – support the sharing of media campaigns, press activity,
   online media and other promotional activity from either cluster through
   cluster networks
 * Joint Research, development and Innovation projects – stimulate the parties
   to establish joint RDI projects in the Irish offshore wind marked or the
   Norwegian Offshore Wind market.

The collaboration agreement was signed by Alfred Risan, leader of Norwegian
Offshore Wind working group on Ireland, and Jose Jerry Hallissey, Head of
Business development at Shannon Foynes Port Company. For further information,
contact:
 * Norwegian Offshore Wind: Arvid Nesse, arvid.nesse@offshore-wind.no, +47 975
   97 384
 * Shannon Foynes Port Company: Jerry Hallisey, jhallissey@sfpc.ie, +353 (0) 87
   7054187
 * Teneo: Eugene Hogan, eugene.hogan@teneo.com, +353 (0) 87 2497290

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05 May 2022


BECHTEL TO DELIVER PORT MASTERPLAN TO SUPPORT IRELAND

Bechtel to deliver port masterplan to support Ireland’s emerging offshore wind
industry

Shannon Foynes Port expansion will enhance its status as key hub for European
trade and renewable energy Focus in updated plan will be on Estuary as a hub for
floating offshore wind, hydrogen and other green fuels production and logistics
Thursday, 05 May 2022: The transformative economic and environmental potential
of the Shannon Estuary as an international renewable energy and logistics hub
has been reaffirmed by the appointment by Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) of
Bechtel to advance its masterplan, Vision 2041. Bechtel, a world leader in
strategic planning and development of ports, will update the masterplan to
maximise the opportunity emerging from offshore and onshore investment within
and adjacent to its harbours in Ireland. Vision 2041, which was launched in
2013, was Ireland’s first long-term port strategy and set out ambitious targets
for the development of port infrastructure and services along the Shannon
Estuary. The intervening period has seen all targets for investment and growth
met by SFPC, which has now engaged Bechtel to work with it in updating the
masterplan. This will have a strong focus on SFPC’s role as a key enabler of the
unprecedented renewable energy opportunity from floating offshore wind off the
Atlantic seaboard and related production of alternative shipping fuels that,
together, will transform Shannon Foynes into a leading European port. Planned
expansion at the port, including a new 1kilometer dock with depths of over 18m
alongside and associated quayside storage, will increase port capacity to 20m
tons per annum and will be accommodated by up to 1,200 hectares of land zoned
for strategic development. The port’s proximity to the Atlantic wind resource
provides the opportunity for it to become a major international renewable energy
hub. Given the 80GW of capacity available off the Atlantic seaboard and the port
proximity to this, SFPC will be a key enabler for Ireland reaching and
surpassing its 20GW offshore wind target by 2050. The expanded facilities at
Shannon Foynes would include hydrogen and ammonia production facilities for
long-term energy storage and will also consider the export of the renewable
energy/fuels produced. Bechtel’s role will be to assess and refresh the port’s
masterplan to best leverage these advantages, further boost growth and support
the region’s emerging offshore wind industry. John Williams, Bechtel’s managing
director for the UK and Ireland said: “There is an increasingly strong case for
investing in port infrastructure to support the growth in offshore wind and the
importance of creating local supply chains cannot be underestimated. Ports act
as focal points during the manufacturing, installation and operation of offshore
wind farms and Shannon Foynes is strategically ideal to support Ireland’s
offshore wind industry, as well as expand to play an even greater role in
European shipping. We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with
Shannon Foynes Port Company on their Masterplan update.” Patrick Keating, Chief
Executive of SFPC said: “Nine years ago, Vision 2041 was considered a very
ambitious masterplan, yet we have since met all the higher end growth targets
identified for the interim period. In it we also identified the opportunity
ahead for what were then only emerging sectors, such as offshore renewables. The
Estuary is now viewed not alone by SFPC but the sector internationally as an
emerging renewable energy supply-chain hub. In addition, there is the
complementary growth potential for the estuary as a major logistics centre. “The
acceleration of these opportunities necessitates the updating of Vision 2041 so
that we have a strategic roadmap for realising the unprecedented opportunity for
the company, the region and, indeed, the State. This is a critical moment for us
and we are delighted to have Bechtel supporting us. Bechtel’s portfolio spans
infrastructure, renewables, fuel production, and financing and makes them
uniquely qualified to help us maximise the benefits of our deep-water advantage
and our expansion plan, along with the job creation, supplier opportunities,
economic growth that it will bring. We look forward to finalising the report
over the coming months and unveiling this ambition to place Ireland at the
global top-table for renewable energy and logistics.” Bechtel are global experts
in ports, having delivered facilities around the globe, including Khalifa Port,
the most advanced trading hub in the Middle East. Over 40 years ago, Bechtel was
involved in the construction of Aughinish Alumina, the largest industrial
complex on the Shannon estuary and adjacent to Foynes port. Bechtel is taking a
growing position in Ireland supporting the renewal of infrastructure and the
growth of renewables, having been recently appointed by daa as its integrated
delivery partner for Dublin Airport’s capital investment program and also in
supporting the Ervia Cork Carbon Capture Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) Project
PreFEED study for the development of CO2 transport pipeline networks,
liquefaction, storage, and shipping facilities for CO2 clusters in Ireland. This
project is part funded by the European Commission under the Connecting Europe
Facility funding instrument. Ends About Bechtel Bechtel is a trusted
engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and
government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive
to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our
customers’ objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have
helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all
seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the
resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources,
and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. Bechtel serves
the Energy; Infrastructure; Nuclear, Security & Environmental; and Mining &
Metals markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through
start-up and operations. www.bechtel.com About SFPC SFPC has statutory
jurisdiction over all marine activities on the Shannon Estuary and is Ireland’s,
and one of Europe’s, deepest sheltered estuaries. The estuary covers
500-kilometre square of commercial waters stretching from Kerry to Loop Head to
Limerick City. Alongside the world’s busiest shipping routes and with water
depths of up to 32-metres, the port is uniquely positioned to expand as a cargo
hub serving the domestic, European and worldwide markets. The port is already a
key enabler of industrial activity and employment in the Mid-West region of
Ireland and currently has the capacity to handle over 10-million tonnes
annually.

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16 March 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT COMPANY WELCOMES GOVERNMENT & THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
CONTINUED SUPPORT AND HIGH PRIORITY LISTING OF THE NEED FOR THE M21
LIMERICK-ADARE BYPASS/N69 LINK TO FOYNES.

Shannon Foynes Port’s record investment a key step in transforming estuary into
international hub for floating offshore wind generation €28m investment will
deliver new jetty infrastructure as well as one of Ireland’s largest logistics
buildings A record €28million investment in jetty infrastructure and a port
logistics park has been announced by Shannon Foynes Port Company today in a
significant step in transitioning the Shannon Estuary into a major international
renewable energy supply-chain hub. The unprecedent investment, which is fully
and co-funded by Shannon Foynes Port Company and the EU’s ‘Connecting Europe
Facility’, will include a significant expansion of quayside area through the
joining and infilling of two existing jetties. This will deliver an additional
117m of jetty set down/storage area by linking the existing east and west
jetties at the port, substantially boosting existing quayside set down space.
Also included in the investment programme is the development of one of the
country’s largest logistics buildings in a significant boost to national bulk
and unitized freight supply chain infrastructure. The 127,000 sq ft facility
will be the key element in a new 38 hectares port logistics park that will have
the potential for a future 400,000 sq ft of modern logistics warehousing over
the coming decade and a half. Planning permission and foreshore consents for the
developments, which amount to the largest ever financial commitment in civil
works by the port company, have been secured, with work already underway on the
new jetty and associated set down area following construction procurement. Work
on the logistics park, which will become the largest building at the Tier 1
international port, will commence in Q3 of this year, with all works completed
in the first half of 2024. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which is
co-funding the project, is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs
and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment at European
level. It supports the development of high performing, sustainable and
efficiently interconnected trans-European networks in the fields of transport,
energy and digital services. CEF investments fill the missing links in Europe's
energy, transport and digital backbone. Shannon Foynes Port Company Chief
Executive Pat Keating said: “This investment reflects the unprecedented
opportunity for the Shannon Estuary and Shannon Foynes Port Company. It
represents the next stage of implementation of our investment programme and,
importantly, lays the foundation for further required scalable capacity
investments to accommodate growth in both the offshore renewable sector and the
transport sector. For example, our objective to be the supply chain facilitator
for an Atlantic floating offshore wind energy hub and related hydrogen
production will be transformational in terms of our climate action targets, our
national economy and energy security. “We have some of the most consistent winds
in the world off the west coast, the technology now in place to harness those
winds through floating offshore wind and, in the Shannon Estuary, the deep and
sheltered waters necessary to build the floating devices before they are brought
out into open ocean waters.  The world’s leading players in this space want to
invest here and leading nations, such as Germany, want the green hydrogen we can
generate from this almost limitless renewable energy. But for all this to
happen, we need to invest heavily in our infrastructure and the plans we are
announcing today are significant step in that regard.” Shannon Foynes Port
Company’s Offshore Floating Wind Study conservatively estimates that up to €12bn
in associated supply chain investment could be located on the Shannon Estuary by
2050, with an opportunity to create up to 30,000 jobs. Spekaing on the
significant investment in logistics, John Carlton, Engineering and Port Services
Manager at Shannon Foynes Port Company said, “Our new logistics park will be a
game changer for bulk and containerised goods in Ireland. There is unanimity
around the need to counterbalance and build resilience in the national supply
chain and, in keeping with the National Development Plan , a key facilitator of
this is to promote regional development by optimising capacity outside the
congested east coast. Developing modern logistics facilities at the deep-water
port of Foynes provides new logistics solutions for the western half of the
country, offering more efficient and sustainable market access for importers and
exporters alike by reducing the ton per kilometer travelled.” Shannon Foynes
Port Company Chairman David McGarry added: “When we launched our Vision 2041
masterplan in 2013, it was seen as a hugely ambitious strategy, yet we have
reached its growth targets. The record investment we are announcing today, which
is our biggest single commitment yet, is the latest but a key element of that
masterplan.” Ends

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21 December 2021


SFPC WELCOMES GOVERNMENT, MINISTERS AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, MULTI-PORT
APPROACH FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF IRISH PORTS FOR ORE AS OUTLINED IN ITS NEW PORT
POLICY STATEMENT.

 

Government sets policy for Ireland’s commercial ports to develop infrastructure
to support offshore renewable energy

Policy will encourage ports to apply for EU funding

Timely development as Oireachtas passes the Maritime Area Planning Bill

The Department of Transport has published a Policy Statement setting out the
strategy for commercial ports to facilitate offshore renewable energy activity
in the seas around Ireland. The Policy Statement, noted by Government last week,
will also assist Ireland’s commercial TEN-T ports in applying for EU funding to
develop new infrastructure. It’s part of a series of Government measures to
prepare for a massive expansion of offshore renewable energy, including the
passing last week of the Maritime Area Planning Bill.   The Programme for
Government set a target for 70% of electricity to be generated from renewable
sources by 2030 and for 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Climate Action Plan
published on 4th November 2021 (CAP 21) has since increased the target to up to
80% renewable electricity by 2030.   Both plans also set out how Ireland will
take advantage of the potential of at least 30GW of floating offshore wind power
in our deeper waters in the Atlantic. Given Ireland’s increased ambition in
Offshore Renewable Energy and pending a review of overall National Ports Policy,
the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development
Office (IMDO), conducted an assessment of the options for Irish State ports to
facilitate the ORE sector and assist in Ireland achieving its emission reduction
targets. On receiving the recommendations of that assessment, the Minister for
Transport has decided that a multi-port approach will be required. A number of
ports will be required to provide facilities for the different activities at
several locations around the country and at different times for the various
phases of the fixed and floating ORE developments.   This will maximise the
economic benefits at both regional and national level in terms of job creation
and new SME enterprises in areas such as engineering, fabrication, transport and
logistics, and other technologies.   With one of the best offshore renewable
energy resources globally, there is very significant potential in utilising
these resources to generate carbon-free renewable electricity. The development
of this vast resource can enable Ireland to enhance the security of energy
supply by substituting imported fossil fuels with indigenous renewable resources
and, potentially, by developing an export market in green energy, either through
electricity export from interconnectors or from power to gas such as hydrogen
generation. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced, while delivering growth to
the economy and supporting regional development.     Commenting Minister Ryan
said:- ‘Offshore renewable energy developments will typically require both
large-scale port infrastructure for project deployment and smaller-scale port
facilities to provide ongoing operation and maintenance services. Around the
Irish coast, ORE projects will develop in several phases. To meet Ireland’s
target of 5GW by 2030, it is clear that more than one port will be required.
This will mean new jobs and new businesses in and near our ports, to support the
development of offshore wind at various locations, beginning on the east coast
and expanding to the west coast at a later stage.   This approach is best suited
to deliver the offshore renewable energy targets set out in the Programme for
Government and the Climate Action Plan 21, and to position Ireland to take
advantage of the economic opportunity created by the roll out of both fixed and
floating offshore wind in Irish waters.   This Policy Statement makes it clear
to the offshore industry that the Government is committed to the provision of
port facilities in Ireland for ORE developments, and I would encourage our TEN-T
ports to apply for the EU funding that has recently been made available for this
sector.’   A number of ports and private entities are already progressing plans
to provide the facilities and infrastructure required to assist the ORE sector
to develop in Ireland. This Policy Statement endorses that development.   The
plans underway include preparations for the provision of large-scale deployment
facilities at Rosslare Europort and at Cork Dockyard facility (formerly Verolme
Dockyard) located within the limits of the Port of Cork.  Drogheda Port is also
proposing developing largescale deep water port facilities on the East coast and
Shannon Foynes Port Company and ESB are planning largescale development within
the Shannon Foynes estuary.   Wicklow and Arklow have already entered
arrangements with individual ORE project developers to serve as operation and
maintenance bases.   It is recognised that there will be opportunities for other
ports such as the ports of Waterford, Galway, Bantry under the Port of Cork, and
the Fishery Harbour Centres of Ros an Mhíl, Killybegs and Castletownbere which
are under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.   The
Department of Transport will establish a ports co-ordination Group to coordinate
port responses and maintain policy alignment.   A cross-departmental Offshore
Renewable Energy Team, chaired by the Department of Environment, Climate and
Communications, is being established to capture wider economic and business
opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland.
This will include the identification of supporting infrastructure development
and supply chain opportunities as Ireland’s offshore wind industry is developed.
  Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton added:- ‘This Policy Statement gives
clarity to the ORE sector and ports and I would strongly encourage ORE
developers and ports to engage in meaningful commercial discussions. This will
ultimately allow investments that are commercially viable in the long-term
progress without undermining the ability of any port to meet its primary
obligations in relation to the facilitation of international trade. This year,
the criteria for Connecting Europe Funding facility (CEF) which is the funding
instrument for the EU's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), was extended
to allow partial funding for ORE related port infrastructure. This is a
competitive process with the possibility of successful eligible TEN-T applicants
obtaining significant grant funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for studies
and up to 30% of infrastructure works costs. My Department will assist, as
appropriate, those applicants that are eligible to put forward applications for
studies or works under the CEF calls’.   The Ministers also extended their
thanks to the Irish Maritime Development Office for their assistance in the
assessment process.   ENDS  

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20 December 2021


SHANNON FOYNES PORT COMPANY WELCOMES GOVERNMENT & THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT
CONTINUED SUPPORT AND HIGH PRIORITY LISTING OF THE NEED FOR THE M21
LIMERICK-ADARE BYPASS/N69 LINK TO FOYNES.

 

Over Two-thirds of a Billion Euro Allocated to Ireland’s National Roads and
Greenways for 2022

Major expansion of Greenway network to be facilitated by funding and a new Code
of Practice

National Road projects will prioritise safety, regional connectivity, bypasses
and key NDP projects

  The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D. has today confirmed that Transport
Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has issued the Greenways and national road funding
allocations totalling €676 million to local authorities for 2022. TII is
responsible for securing the provision of a safe and efficient road network and
provides annual funding allocations to local authorities for this purpose. TII
has also recently been assigned responsibility for Greenways. Funding of circa
€60 million has been allocated to around 40 Greenway projects across the country
in 2022, in nearly every single county. Significant Greenway investment is being
directed at the border counties; Donegal is progressing a number of Greenways
and Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Louth are also receiving investment that will
see an expansion of cross-border Greenways. Many local authorities are now
working together to progress projects in their region. Cork and Waterford are
developing a Mallow to Dungarvan route, and Sligo, Cavan and Leitrim are working
with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to develop the Collooney to
Enniskillen route. Minister Ryan said: “This funding will also support
extensions of the Grand Canal Greenway in Offaly, Kildare and South Dublin, link
the North Kerry Greenway to the Limerick Greenway, and join the Waterford to New
Ross Greenway with the Waterford Greenway. We are moving into a new and exciting
phase when more and more Greenways are being connected, with TII also developing
a National Cycle Network.” Minister Ryan continued: “I’m particularly happy that
agreement has been reached on a Code of Best Practice for National and Regional
Greenways. This Code has been agreed with the farming representative bodies and
other stakeholders and provides us with an approved way to achieve voluntary
land sales for Greenways where needed. Community buy-in is central to the future
of our Greenways, which are one of the big success stories of rural Ireland.
Greenways are a wonderful amenity for leisure and tourism, and they are also
important for everyday journeys to school, work or the shops” Minister of State
Hildegarde Naughton T.D. said “The Galway to Dublin Greenway, a 330km car-free
corridor between Galway and Dublin, linking the Atlantic coast to the East
coast, has a particularly exciting focus in the funding being announced today.
Counties including Meath, Kildare, Westmeath, Offaly will benefit from
investment towards this project. Once complete, the Dublin-Galway project will
provide both a local and national amenity for communities and visitors to enjoy
while also supporting local business such as cafés, shops, B&Bs, camping sites
and hotels. “As a Minister based in the West of Ireland, I am also very pleased
to see the Connemara Greenway receive a strong funding allocation of over €3
million in 2022. This funding includes the routes between Clifden to Recess
(€1.9 million), Galway to Moycullen (€600k) and Derrygimlagh-Clifden-Kylemore
Abbey (€550k). I very much look forward to cycling this route, some of which is
due to be completed in the second half of next year.”   Funding for National
Roads   Approximately €616m of Exchequer funds have been provided for national
roads through TII to local authorities in 2022 (regional and local roads are
allocated separately). The 2022 funding allocations are made having regard for
the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP), which balances investment in
transport against other priorities of Government on housing and health over the
lifetime of the Plan. TII is allocating the funding in a manner which seeks to
achieve the following key outcomes in line with the NDP:
 * Protection and renewal of the existing network.
 * Progress major projects in or near construction.
 * Progress those projects which are further along in the development pipeline,
   e.g., the N21/N69 Foynes/Adare project and the M28 Cork Ringaskiddy project.
 * Prioritise any remaining funds for projects which provide for local bypasses
   and compact growth in towns.

Funding has been allocated to the following projects which are currently under
or close to construction:
 * N56 Dungloe to Glenties
 * N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom
 * N5 Westport to Turlough
 * N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge
 * M8/N40 Dunkettle Interchange
 * N59 Moycullen Bypass
 * N69 Listowel Bypass

Funding has also been allocated to the following projects which are at an
earlier stage in the development process:
 * M21 Limerick – Adare Bypass/N69 link to Foynes
 * M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy
 * N6 Galway City Ring Road
 * N52 Ardee bypass
 * N2 Slane Bypass
 * N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross
 * N2 Ardee to Castleblayney
 * N13/N14/N56 Donegal TEN-T Project
 * N3 Virginia Bypass
 * N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod
 * N11 Oilgate to Rosslare
 * N17 Collooney to Knock
 * N21 Abbeyfeale Relief Road
 * N21 Newcastle West Relief Road
 * N22 Farranfore to Killarney
 * N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction, incl. Tipperary Bypass
 * N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road
 * N3 Clonee to M50 - to interface to BusConnects
 * N11 Bray to Kilmacanogue - bus lane component
 * M4 Maynooth to Leixlip - bus lane component
 * N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project
 * N25 Castlemartyr and Killeagh Bypass
 * N26 Foxford Bypass

Minister Ryan commented “Today’s allocations are an important step in a pathway
of planned investment in our national road network over the coming decade. A
priority for the Government is to advance safe, clean, liveable towns and
communities. This investment will help to take heavy traffic out of our main
streets, giving towns back to residents and shoppers. It will also provide scope
for greater Active Travel options (walking and cycling) in town centres. Reduced
traffic volumes will allow for “compact growth” in town centres, providing
possibilities for residential development. For that reason, we will see a
renewed focus on supporting local by-passes.” Minister Naughton commented “These
allocations will allow us to build on the large-scale road investment that has
taken place over the last 20 years which has helped improve regional
connectivity. As a result, our first priority should be to protect our existing
national roads, ensuring that they are in a safe and robust condition for all
road users. Over the lifetime of the NDP, €2.9 billion has been earmarked for
this purpose. “As part of the NDP, Government has also earmarked €5.1 billion
for spending on new national roads projects until 2030. While the greater
portion of this funding will become available during the second half of the
decade, many projects will continue to be advanced. A large majority of projects
under the NDP have been issued with a funding allocation for 2022. While some
projects may not be considered for appraisal until 2023 or beyond, no projects
have been ruled out.”     ENDS  

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31 August 2022


FOYNES TO LIMERICK ROAD

Foynes to Limerick road is key infrastructure for unlocking Estuary’s potential
as global renewable energy and logistics hub – Shannon Foynes Port The Chief
Executive of Shannon Foynes Port Company, Pat Keating, has said that the Foynes
to Limerick road is a one of the key infrastructure elements that will assist in
unlocking the Shannon Estuary’s potential as a global renewable energy and
logistics hub. Welcoming the approval of the road by An Bord Pleanála today, Mr
Keating said that it is imperative that the development of the road is
prioritised so we can capitalise on the unprecedented opportunity for the State
from both floating offshore wind and improving the capacity of the national
supply chain. “The granting of approval for the road is a hugely welcome
development as it is critical enabling infrastructure for realising the
potential of the Shannon Estuary as a global floating offshore wind energy and
associated alternative green fuels production, and logistics hub. “The
opportunity for the Estuary is at a scale that will be transformative from an
economic perspective for the region and, indeed, the State. Moreover, it will
have national and international impact on the fight against climate change as we
have an infinite supply of renewable energy in the Atlantic accessed from the
Shannon Estuary.  These renewable resources will not only serve Irish energy
demand but can also support Europe in unwinding its dependence on Russian gas by
the production of green alternative fuels. “But for all that to happen, we need
to transform our port infrastructure and the 35km Limerick to Foynes road is an
essential element of that. Together with the regeneration of the rail link from
Limerick to Foynes, the contract for which is now out to tender, this will
ensure the port has the type of connectivity essential for it to play this
pivotal role in Ireland’s future. “The road already has government backing
through the National Development Plan and now has approval from the relevant
planning authority. But we must ensure that the project is prioritised and that
we can move quickly through to final approval stage and, ultimately, to the
development of the road.” Mr Keating said that the Foynes to Limerick road has
been a priority for the port authority since the launch of our masterplan,
Vision 2041, almost a decade ago. “Such is the opportunity for the Estuary now
that we have engaged Bechtel, who are world leaders in strategic planning and
development of ports, to update it. We see the granting of approval for the road
as further validation of this opportunity.” He added:  “This new road
facilitates the sustainable development of the immense  renewable energy
resources in the Atlantic by properly connecting the adjoining  deepwater port
of Foynes on the Shannon Estuary and as such is so much more than a road.  It’s
key to unlocking our green energy future as well as providing resilience on the
national supply chain. So the commitment of the Mid-West Road Design Office,
Limerick City and County Council, the wider stakeholder community and, indeed,
An Bord Pleanála for its careful consideration, must be acknowledged in getting
us to this important juncture.” Ends  

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16 August 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT WELCOMES TENDER FOR RAIL REINSTATEMENT

Shannon Foynes Port welcomes tender for Limerick to Foynes rail reinstatement
Road commitment also essential if estuary is to become renewable energy and
logistics hub Monday, August 15, 2022:  Shannon Foynes Port Company Chief
Executive Pat Keating has said that the regeneration of the Limerick to Foynes
rail line is one of two transport links essential for delivering on the
unprecedented opportunity for the estuary as a global floating offshore wind
energy and transhipment hub. Welcoming the recent opening of an ‘expression of
interest’ tender for works on the 42km line, Mr Keating said that the rail link
will be of great benefit to the wider project but even more essential is the
road link to Foynes. “The expression of interest tender is a very significant
moment within our wider plans to capitalise on the unprecedented opportunity for
the Shannon Estuary as it gives even greater certainty that this important rail
connectivity is going to happen. This is a strategic move that will enhance
connectivity to Foynes port but also help to decarbonise the supply chain by
transferring significant cargo tonnages from road to rail. “However, the primary
access to and from Foynes will still be road and it’s essential that the Foynes
to Limerick road goes ahead as soon as possible. It will carry by far the
majority of goods to and from Foynes, goods and materials that rail cannot
accommodate.  So, while we are delighted with announcement regarding the
reinstatement of rail, we look forward to an early commitment, too, on the
Foynes to Limerick road,” he said. He continued: “We appreciate the expediency
regarding the rail reinstatement but it is essential, too, that we get moving on
addressing our road infrastructure. Shannon Foynes is a Core Corridor Port under
the EU’s Ten-t Regulations. These regulations require that upgraded hinterland
connections, ie road and rail, are in place by 2030. “In addition, the Shannon
Estuary can become an international floating offshore wind and related green
fuels generation hub, but our current road network links are an impediment to
that.  We must move quickly, however, as time is not on our side when it comes
to energy security and climate change. The Estuary can be an enabler for
addressing those critical issues for not just Ireland but Europe, with
transformative economic as well as environmental impact, but it won’t happen
without the necessary infrastructure,” he said. Mr Keating added that the rail
project is also very much endorsed at European level. “In 2015 we secured
€800,000 from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility for a Feasibility and Detailed
Design study, including all associated consenting requirements, for the
regeneration of the rail link in 2015. Those works were completed in 2019 and
were part funded also by Shannon Foynes Port Company and undertaken by Irish
Rail. As a result, the reinstatement of the 40km Limerick to Foynes line is now
shovel ready so moving to this next ‘expressions of interest’ stage to realise
this opportunity is a key moment,” he said. Ends  

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27 July 2022


SHANNON FOYNES PORT COMPANY REPORTS RECORD PROFITABILITY LEVELS IN 2021

Annual report reveals that company is operating at historically high levels

Tuesday, 26 July 2022:  Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) has reported another
very strong year in 2021, with record earnings achieved for the year and profit
before taxation exceeding €5.2 million for the first time. The performance was
down to a mix of recovery from Covid-19 impacts sooner than expected, a
resurgent economy and the supply/demand imbalance in the energy generation
sector, the report reveals. With tonnage throughputs increasing by 16% to 10.9
million tonnes, turnover increased by 23.8% to €16 million (2020: €12.9
million). Tonnages were particularly strong in the agriculture and construction
sectors, with the export of cement and related imports growing strongly.
Overall, SFPC’s general cargo terminals of Limerick and Foynes performed
strongly, with year-on-year throughput increases of 9.9%, manifesting in these
terminals now operating at historically high levels. In addition to throughput
and turnover growth, stringent cost management remained a core focus resulting
in returning a significantly improved EBITDA margin of 47.5% (2020: 42.9%) and
historically high EBITDA of €7.6 million (2020: €5.6 million). Commenting on the
performance, Shannon Foynes Port CEO Patrick Keating said that despite
challenges of 2022, he remained confident about the company’s future:
“Notwithstanding the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine, we remain confident
that there are significant opportunities to grow and expand the Port at the
operating level. With an expanded business development function, we have
identified targeted areas that will drive revenue growth over the short, medium
and long term.” Mr Keating said that Since 2011 - the base year of the company’s
masterplan,  Vision 2041 - tonnage at its general cargo terminals increased by
60%, even accounting for the COVID contraction. This performance is also
reflected in the company’s balance sheet, with  net assets increasing by 281% to
€54m since 2010 and with annual net operating cashflow increasing by over 170%
over the same period. Mr Keating said that due to the increased tonnage
throughputs projected in Vision 2041, the ongoing roll-out of the company’s
investment programme is continuing at pace. Following the completion of Phase 1
at a cost of €12m, construction has now commenced on Phases II through to IV.
These phases, costing a total of €33m, will involve construction of 117m of new
quay to join the East and West Jetties, infilling for associated quay set down
together with the development of 38 hectares site at Foynes as a port business
park. These represent the largest capital projects ever undertaken by the
Company and are scheduled to complete in 2023. Mr Keating said that the company
will have a significant part to play in assisting the country’s transition to a
low carbon economy due to its role as an international offshore renewable energy
hub. “Our medium-term Capital Investment Program has been reviewed to ensure
that the Port will have the necessary capacity for the medium term to
accommodate this transition, particularly with regard to offshore renewables and
deep water berth capacity,” he said. Commenting on the results, David McGarry,
Chairperson of SFPC said: “The year not only recorded great financial success
but also notable progress on several fronts with regards to SFPC’s Strategic
Plan. With SFPC making strides internally, it also remains one of the foremost
economic drivers for the Mid-West Region.” Mr McGarry said that the Board had
made significant progress on realising the objectives of the Strategic Plan
2021–2025.  The company has now updated its objectives with the drafting of a
2022-2026 Strategic Plan, which has been delivered to the Department of
Transport and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with the report
expected to be approved soon. ENDS

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28 June 2022


PROFESSOR PÉTER BALÁZS SAYS PORT AUTHORITY ON RIGHT TRACK DURING RECENT VISIT TO
FOYNES

Shannon Foynes Port Company strategy in keeping with RePower EU and The Green
Deal plans – leading European Commission official states Professor Péter Balázs
says port authority on right track during visit to Foynes Professor Péter
Balázs, European Coordinator in the framework of a key European Commission
transport infrastructure development programme, has said that Shannon Foynes
Port Company’s long term plans to become an international renewable energy hub
are fully aligned with EU policy. Professor Péter Balázs, European Coordinator
for the North Sea-Mediterranean Core Network Corridor, said that the very
ambitious plans of the Shannon Estuary port authority align with the overarching
EU Green Deal strategy to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050 and
the more recent RePower EU plan to transition away from dependency on Russian
fossil fuel. Speaking following a visit to Foynes, during which he was updated
on progress in relation to projects jointly funded by the Connecting Europe
Facility (CEF), Professor Balázs said that future funding applications must fit
a number of key criteria, not least the importance of the wider project to
Europe. Shannon Foynes Port Company’s plans, he said, go in the right direction.
Professor Balázs was also briefed about the porty authority’s plan to put in
place €300m plus of essential infrastructure, to enable the Shannon Estuary to
become a global renewable energy player and exporter of clean energy and fuels
into Europe, as well as develop unitised cargo activity. “This is my third visit
to Foynes and I have been following the progress on its very ambitious plans
very closely for several years and have been hugely impressed. When selecting
projects, with regard to how best use the funding at disposal, the European
Commission considers several key points, one of which is the European dimension
of projects. Certainly, high on the agenda now is keeping with the EU’s The
Green Deal. Other influencers now are, of course, adapting to the consequences
of Brexit, which has fundamentally changed the geopolitical position of Ireland,
the pandemic, which has interrupted many important supply changes, and now we
have the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Shannon Foynes Port’s strategy
meets these requirements. When we came here first, Shannon Foynes was not on the
map of the EU, but it was on the map of our long term thinking. We have extended
the North Sea - Mediterranean corridor, which I am in charge of, to include
Shannon Foynes, which increases the value of the Irish infrastructure. “The
complex thinking that is being engaged in here is ultimately in keeping with
improving the environmental conditions all across Europe by facilitating the
generation of renewables, using modern fuels, saving energy, transforming the
modal composition of transport by pushing freight from road to rail and water.
There is a very special emphasis on The Green Deal objectives and what’s
happening here aligns with that.” Ireland’s focus on becoming an exporter of
green energy and fuels arising from floating offshore wind generation, Professor
Balázs added, reflects very positively on its relationships within the Europe.
“Ireland has been showing a good example. It is a good model in European
cooperation. Something every member state could and should do is deepen
integration within Europe, because in the fact of all the challenges we have
today, it's important to strengthen cooperation and Ireland is a good partner in
that sense,” he added. Shannon Foynes Port Company Chief Executive Pat Keating
said that the visit was a timely validation of its strategy. “It’s five years
since we had the opportunity to host Professor Balázs here and it was an
opportunity for us to showcase the very positive impact of the funding we have
received so far through the Connecting Europe Facility. The Connecting Europe
Facility is a critical funding partner for us as we seek to put in place the
infrastructure to realise the unprecedented opportunity we have from offshore
renewables. This is opportunity is critical for the region, for the State but
will also enable Ireland to become a significant contributor to the EU’s The
Green Deal and RePower EU. We will be seeking EU funding for what we are trying
to do but will be making a return back to Europe on that investment at a level
perhaps not previously seen.” ENDS  

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10 June 2022


TASKFORCE DELEGATION TO PORT OF ROTTERDAM JUNE 2022

   

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SFP ECONOMIC IMPACT


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TWITTER NEWS

It was terrific to welcome the Azamara Quest to the Shannon estuary last
Saturday. Terrific to see @cruiseshannonestuary getting off to a positive start
this year. Here's to many more beautiful cruise liners in the...

SHANNON FOYNES PORT

@ShannonFoynesAugust 29, 2022 4:11 pm

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Shannon Foynes Port welcomes tender for rail line reinstatement from Limerick to
Foynes.

sfpc.ie/shannon-foynes…

SHANNON FOYNES PORT

@ShannonFoynesAugust 16, 2022 4:28 pm

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Shannon Foynes Port Company records record profits in 2021.

sfpc.ie/shannon-foynes…

SHANNON FOYNES PORT

@ShannonFoynesJuly 28, 2022 2:03 pm

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Calm waters around Scattery Island, Shannon Estuary. No filters required.
Picture credit Capt Patrick Galvin.

SHANNON FOYNES PORT

@ShannonFoynesJuly 11, 2022 9:54 am

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Shannon Foynes Port Company,
Harbour Office,
Foynes,
Co. Limerick,
Ireland,
V94 R232


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 * twitter
   
   
   
   @ShannonFoynes
   It was terrific to welcome the Azamara Quest to the Shannon estuary last
   Saturday. Terrific to see @cruiseshannonestuary getting off to a positive
   start this year. Here's to many more beautiful cruise liners in the Shannon
   Estuary in coming years.
   
   5 20AUGUST 29, 2022 4:11 PM
   
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 * twitter
   
   
   
   @ShannonFoynes
   Shannon Foynes Port welcomes tender for rail line reinstatement from Limerick
   to Foynes.
   
   sfpc.ie/shannon-foynes…
   
   8 31AUGUST 16, 2022 4:28 PM
   
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 * twitter
   
   
   
   @ShannonFoynes
   Shannon Foynes Port Company records record profits in 2021.
   
   sfpc.ie/shannon-foynes…
   
   2 6JULY 28, 2022 2:03 PM
   
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 * twitter
   
   
   
   @ShannonFoynes
   Calm waters around Scattery Island, Shannon Estuary. No filters required.
   Picture credit Capt Patrick Galvin.
   
   1 2JULY 11, 2022 9:54 AM
   
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