Údarás na Gaeltachta has stepped up its pressure on government to fund a major expansion at Rossaveel harbour with a blueprint delivered by Atkins Consultants.

At the moment Ros an Mhíl harbour is best known as the departure point for ferries to the Aran Islands, and Údarás wants the area developed to service the requirements of offshore wind energy – if that ever happens.

Údarás says that port capacity will be key to delivering the government’s vision for Ireland to become energy independent.

Commissioned by the state agency, the Atkins report maintains that Ros an Mhíl is strategically located at the centre of the west coast and has capacity to become one of the key ports required to support this industry.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO, commented: “It is important that action is taken without delay, as the rapid rate of offshore wind demand coupled with a long lead time of port upgrades means there is a risk of undersupply of suitable regional port capacity. 

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“The strategic development of Ros an Mhíl as a hub for wind energy support services is actively supported by fishing community representatives locally and by the local harbour support group.”

Atkins’ masterplan for Ros an Mhíl proposed in the report envisages a future strategic enterprise zone in which the fishing industry and the renewable energy sector work in parallel.

“We in Údarás na Gaeltachta would support such a development which, in the context of balanced, sustainable development, would bring benefits locally, nationally, and internationally and strengthen the Gaeltacht community,” Ó Síocháin added.