€25m Redevelopment of Ros an Mhíl Harbour

A €25m investment in a Deep Water Berth at Ros an Mhíl in Co. Galway has been announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., and the Government.

This is a major infrastructure investment in the Gaeltacht and the development will provide the entire country with a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the renewable energy resources available off the west coast of the country.

€25m Redevelopment of Ros an Mhíl Harbour

Following a report commissioned by Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2021, the announcement recognises the suitability of Ros an Mhíl in the Galway Gaeltacht as a prime location for an increased fishing harbour, but more importantly, for the development of a strategic hub to support the floating offshore wind sector with the potential to create up to 900 jobs in the industry.

The report, compiled by Dublin Offshore Consultants, identified that Ros an Mhíl Harbour’s proximity to offshore projects and a deep sea berth would provide an opportunity to get into the offshore wind industry market, a market which is cost effective and also timely in that it also addresses climate change.

Ros an Mhíl also benefits from a substantial land bank which is owned by both Údarás na Gaeltachta and the DAFM.

Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta stated: “This is a significant announcement not only for the Gaeltacht but for the entire country.

“This strategic development hub will create significant investment in the area, enhancing community life, creating employment and reducing the impact of climate change.

“We look forward to working closely with all our stakeholders and the local community in particular in realising the opportunities that will become available and to bring continued sustainable investment to the Gaeltacht.”

Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Chief Executive Officer added: “This deep sea berth will greatly enhance the Galway Gaeltacht’s business infrastructure, providing employment opportunities as well as developing opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

“There is a huge wind energy resource off the west coast which will assist with the country’s climate change efforts – as indicated in the report published by ourselves last year.

“This vast project will provide endless opportunities for this historic harbour and the surrounding area whilst boosting the local economy and businesses and we hope to support this in the future as opportunities in relation to developing the organisation’s land close to the site are developed.”

Údarás na Gaeltachta is working hand in hand with the community and the harbour development committee to ensure that the Harbour will have the opportunity to attain every possible benefit from appropriate sectors in future and that the appropriate basic infrastructure is available in the area to that end.