Hello there,
I know this has probably been discussed here before but wondered whether there was any news regarding the investment or privatisation of Rosslare Europort? I heard around 2 years ago that consultants were looking into this regarding the ports future with privatisation from Irish Rail/Iarnrod Eireann, and possible investment in facilities and infrastructure at the port. I have tried to find out via the internet as to whether there is any news but cannot seem to find any.
I am a user of the port and use the ferry routes from there to either Fishguard or Pembroke. First impressions when you arrive into the port off off the ferry is very disorganised and ramshackle. This is the case when departing too, ferry terminal does not have much in it, and facilities need investment in them.
Also, even the website for the port needs attention as is not up to date and shows routes on there that do not exist any more. Plus twitter and Facebook pages was last updated in 2010/2011; just shows a lack of care to providing information or advertising that a port exists.
Here are plans to build a byepass road of Rosslare Harbour Village,
These were appoved prior to last election,
Hard to plan anything further until Brexit discussions come to conclusion,
Quote from: IFPete on January 09, 2018, 03:04:17 PM
Here are plans to build a byepass road of Rosslare Harbour Village,
These were appoved prior to last election,
Hard to plan anything further until Brexit discussions come to conclusion,
Why would Brexit affect that?
Customs etc for services to UK.
It will be interesting as to what the EU comes up with regarding border controls. From the creation of the Irish Free State back in 1922 - way before the EU or EEC was ever invented - an agreement existed regarding the free passage of British and Irish peoples (and included the channel Isles and Isle of Mann). It was known as the Common Travel Area.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area
My expectations are that the UK will hope to return to a similar agreement, and Ireland will probably like to do the same. Does the EU have the lawful ability to pressurise Ireland to do anything different?
It's up to the UK to come up with a solution to the mess not the EU. The EU are giving ROI the lead to OK/block any deal if the UK doesn't come up with a workable proposal but what that proposal will be no-one yet seems to know.
On Rosslare, is there expected to be any benefit from privatisation? What investment are they looking to make? Presumably Stena will need to be involved as legal half-owners at some stage even if just to ok the unpicking of the statutory mess that lies behind the port ownership.
Apart from this; any news as to whether the port is to be privatised? Think the project/consultation regarding this and the ports future has been going on for at least 2 years if not longer
Highly unlikely to be privatised, to see what Irish Rail/ CIE think of their trophy asset, check out the official website.
Not sure if the management of the port is based in Rosslare or people in Dublin are responsible but it seems to sum up the whole cluster flip that the port is becoming.
http://rosslareeuroport.irishrail.ie/home/
A child could create a better website than what they have, if anyone in Rosslare port, Irish Rail, or any of the related companies read this, here is a little bit of info:
Ryanair sell all their tickets through their website, they seem to do ok.
This internet is going to catch on, if you cannot be bothered to operate/ update a website since 2011, how on earth do you expect to be the gateway to Europe, to take advantage of the Brexit opportunities, to develop day trip and short trip stays, to take advantage of your location with Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny all within easy reach of the port, a new motorway link from Oylegate to Dublin, a bypass of New Ross meaning Cork and Kerry have got reduced journey times to Rosslare, the M50 Congestion meaning someone wanting to target the Area South of Dublin would be quicker going through Rosslare, also with transport companies on your door step wanting to use the port, car transport companies with facilities on the doorstep, thousands of potential customers on your doorstep, rail connections within the port, a terminal building that formerly had a busy bar and restaurant, shop, railway station and atmosphere, parking in the port etc.....
Rant over.
But the local management, Wexford County Council, the local TD's all need a wake up call, its time to get the finger out and start making Rosslare great again.
Any profits made by Rosslare Port, reinvested in the port
New Website
Advertise Rail Links.
Convenience to Bus and Rail in Irl and Wales
Work with ferry companies, development of new routes.
Tidy up the port, new signage. Clean signs, coffee unit in vehicle marshalling area, (cup of coffee 3euro, costs 39 cent to make)
Use the signs Wexford C Council put on main roads for the port, advertise ferry times
Shopping trips to Cardiff and Bristol
Oakwood theme park, promoted throughout Southern Ireland
Lack of congestion- no M50
Convenient crossing times
Use ferries for Council meetings / focus on tourism
Get local firms to use local services
Shortest, fastest route from Irl Wales and Irl France
Daily departures to France
Social Media, the facebooks, Twitters, Instagrams
Webcams
Live updates
Live traffic alerts
WiFi
Switch some school transport from bus to train
Develop links with Wales and France, cross promotion
And etc etc etc
If they get started now, they might be ready in a few years!
Totally agree with this; seems like the port has been long and forgotten by its owners who probably manage it from a far.
It would be nice to see an updated terminal; something which makes a great first impression to the country not drive off the ferry and look at ramshackle and old buildings. Something that is modern which has the essentials; a restaurant where you can get hot food, WiFi.
It is true that the website needs to be updated as well. As it's currently advertising a route to France and Spain which has not operated for at least 2 years if not longer.
Plus no updates available on twitter and Facebook which nowadays seems to be the first place that people look for communication and updates regarding problems/delays etc
It would be nice if the port updated its website and advertising the south east region of the country in association with national and regional tourist authorities.
I watched a video on YouTube the other day regarding a year in review from Irish Ferries which mentioned it had been doing a partnership to advertise the region but I do not seem to remember this
Difficult to justify investment in a Port unless it can attract new business.
Quote from: IFPete on January 22, 2018, 10:58:16 AM
Difficult to justify investment in a Port unless it can attract new business.
There is the issue, who in their right mind would go to Rosslare as new business when looking at the operation from what we can see it looks neglected.
One main reason all of profits are taken for Irish Rail.
Now that I have mentioned Irish Rail this a company which apparently still pays some its workers in Cash (actual cash i.e. Notes and Coins !) and has a workforce threatening strike action in 2018 because they got a 500 euro gift card for Dunnes not One4all and they had to give an email address to get the voucher and they fear the company might introduce electronic pay slips in the future with these email details..
Now, how do we all feel with one of the major Irish Ports in the hands of this management, it probably explains a lot ......
From the Irish Times on Jan 11th
Train drivers vote to reject new pay deal
Opposition linked to unhappiness over €500 voucher for Dunnes Stores
MARTIN WALL
Train drivers have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed new 1.15 per cent pay rise for past productivity which would also have required them to take part in the training and mentoring of new staff.
Members of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) rejected the proposals by 93 per cent while members of Siptu voted by 83 per cent against the deal.
The NBRU and Siptu warned management if it attempted to force drivers to take part in training of new staff, which up to now had been voluntary, it could lead to further industrial difficulties at the company which experienced two 24-hour strikes over pay late last year.
Irish Rail said that non-cooperation by existing staff with the training of new drivers was preventing the introduction of a planned 10-minute frequency Dart service and the expansion of other services.
Urgently
The company said management would urgently consider the outcome of the ballot results.
The rejection of the deal, which was put forward by the Labour Court last year, has been linked by unions to dissatisfaction with management style in the State-owned rail operator and unhappiness surrounding a €500 tax-free voucher provided to staff in recent weeks as part of a settlement to a broader dispute over pay.
The NBRU had raised concerns that the voucher could only be used in one retailer, Dunnes Stores, and argued that similar vouchers given to staff in the other State-owned transport companies had been for a variety of outlets.
Voucher
The union also signalled that some members were unhappy that to secure the Dunnes Stores voucher staff had to register via an Irish Rail email address. Some union members are understood to have been concerned that the move marked the first steps towards introduction by the company of electronic pay slips for staff. Two hundred Irish Rail staff are understood to be paid weekly in cash.
Irish Rail said it regretted the decision by the drivers in Siptu and the NBRU to reject the Labour Court recommendation on driver training and productivity issues.
Siptu organiser Paul Cullen said: "The result of this ballot demonstrates the depth of dissatisfaction among our members in the driving grade of Irish Rail following the failure of management to deal with their outstanding issues over the last number of years."
Nearly forgot to mention this, was in Rosslare Harbour, early on Sunday morning and still the first sign after the Stena billboard "Welcome to Ireland" is filthy. It was like this back in September and like the Rosslare website it shows the shocking level of care taken with the port.
It is amazing in these times that they cannot get the basics right, you don't even need to update the sign just wash it.
and also while reading the Wexford People, the county council are investigating a green line from Waterford to Rosslare !!!
In the immortal words of Victor Meldrew - I don't believe it.
Instead of reopening the train line and building freight hubs, imagine sending freight by rail ! To Waterford and onwards, they are looking at cycle/ walking path which would be lovely, but not exactly developing business unless you own a coffee shop on the route.
With the Harbour view hotel on the market if someone buys it and reopens the hotel at least the first view into Ireland will be more positive, once they leave the port.
Arrived into Rosslare the other morning onboard the Eurolines coach that travels from london victoria and Irish ferries Inishmore ferry from Pembroke. Stopped at the terminal for a quick break, toilets looked disgusting and can't believe the reduction of facilities inside the terminal building; no cash point; only a little coffee bar/snack place; am sure there used to be a restaurant/bar there.
The signs that welcome you to Ireland and Rosslare looked rusty and unclean.
Just as a quick update, the high calibre management that are leading Rosslare Port into Brexit, possibly the biggest upheaval for the entire island of Ireland since the foundation of the state, the same management that run the awesome website
http://rosslareeuroport.irishrail.ie/home/
The same management team that are happy to not even have the signs welcoming people to Ireland even cleaned.
They have done absolutely F all in 2018 to work on the future of the port, that we can see.
I think the Wexford based TD's and Councillors also need to shoulder a lot of responsibility for this mess and should be ashamed that Rosslare was barely mentioned in the 2040 plan Ireland rubbish.
As a comparison Stena are about to invest five million Sterling in rebuilding the Fishguard Linkspan to accommodate more modern vessels (Superfast X if rumours are to believed).
The only talk in Rosslare before the last election was for a new access road at a cost of €10 mill, waste of money.
Some simple suggestions (I know I suggested much more before)
Lease out entire terminal for a small rent to Coffee shop/ bar/ restaurant, give free parking via validation system, get the place refurbished to actually attract people in.
Get a new website, any halfwit with access to a pc could come up with a better website than the current effort.
Clean up the place, clean signs, cut grass, get road on hill resurfaced, put some pride back in the place.
Even go so far as to buy the hotel at the top of the hill (available for €750,000) and lease out to a management company, bring some life back to the village
http://www.howlinauctioneers.com/commercial.htm
Totally aware that some of the wishes/suggestions are impossible to achieve, but if we can't have some positive moves forward the future will be far from bright, it is time to take advantage of the ports location and build for the future.
Quote from: giftgrub on March 22, 2018, 10:57:47 PM
...the same management that run the awesome website
http://rosslareeuroport.irishrail.ie/home/
The website pretty much reflects the port it's so dated and forgotten about...
To be fair a website for a port isn't that important.
But...
The issue with Rosslare Port is essentially Irish Rail rape the decent income the port generates to subsidise the inefficient rail network.
The port would be much better out of Irish Rail hands, it's only then the other issues will be dealt with.
Quote from: PaddyL on March 24, 2018, 09:09:01 PM
To be fair a website for a port isn't that important.
But...
The issue with Rosslare Port is essentially Irish Rail rape the decent income the port generates to subsidise the inefficient rail network.
The port would be much better out of Irish Rail hands, it's only then the other issues will be dealt with.
100% agree but I feel the Ports website shows the level of interest the current management have for the port, At the very least the info provided should be correct.
As a comparison check out Dublin airport website and compare Rosslare port website, both firms provide services in the travel industry (on vastly different levels) one is bang up to date, one is out of date.
Quote from: giftgrub on March 24, 2018, 10:08:22 PM
Quote from: PaddyL on March 24, 2018, 09:09:01 PM
To be fair a website for a port isn't that important.
But...
The issue with Rosslare Port is essentially Irish Rail rape the decent income the port generates to subsidise the inefficient rail network.
The port would be much better out of Irish Rail hands, it's only then the other issues will be dealt with.
100% agree but I feel the Ports website shows the level of interest the current management have for the port, At the very least the info provided should be correct.
As a comparison check out Dublin airport website and compare Rosslare port website, both firms provide services in the travel industry (on vastly different levels) one is bang up to date, one is out of date.
I would agree with your first point that the website can illustrate a wider outlook on the business.
I can't accept your second point as an airport website has an entirely different purpose to a port website in that an airport website is very much used by the travelling public and contains very essential travel information.
Quote from: PaddyL on March 30, 2018, 11:30:04 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 24, 2018, 10:08:22 PM
Quote from: PaddyL on March 24, 2018, 09:09:01 PM
To be fair a website for a port isn't that important.
But...
The issue with Rosslare Port is essentially Irish Rail rape the decent income the port generates to subsidise the inefficient rail network.
The port would be much better out of Irish Rail hands, it's only then the other issues will be dealt with.
100% agree but I feel the Ports website shows the level of interest the current management have for the port, At the very least the info provided should be correct.
As a comparison check out Dublin airport website and compare Rosslare port website, both firms provide services in the travel industry (on vastly different levels) one is bang up to date, one is out of date.
I would agree with your first point that the website can illustrate a wider outlook on the business.
I can't accept your second point as an airport website has an entirely different purpose to a port website in that an airport website is very much used by the travelling public and contains very essential travel information.
I have to say I agree here. How many passengers check (or even know about the existence of) a ports website? The Port of Cairnryan website hasn't been updated in at least 5 years (work is expected to start on the new linkspan in January 2013 apparently) and has very little passenger information for instance, yet P&O happen to run a very competent operation there.
Not going to disagree with anyone as all opinions are valid, I think as it is a multi user port that at the very least the website should be up to date, the level of info that needs to be provided is obviously open for discussion, however a muggle travelling to a new destination will surely do some googling and maybe want to know about areas near port, parking, facilities available, rail links, nearby accommodation, etc...
They could obviously add boat times, trackers, webcams, freight info and much more.
In other news, was in the port early on Sunday morning and the Welcome to Ireland sign has been cleaned at last ! Hopefully not the last improvement for 2018.
good evening to all I took the killian st 2 then normandy oscar wilde etc plus the years pass less the ferry terminal is welcoming for the last time I took stena horizon arrived in rosselare from worse and worse it looks like a ferry terminal to the abandonment
Quote from: giftgrub on April 03, 2018, 08:27:08 PM
Not going to disagree with anyone as all opinions are valid, I think as it is a multi user port that at the very least the website should be up to date, the level of info that needs to be provided is obviously open for discussion, however a muggle travelling to a new destination will surely do some googling and maybe want to know about areas near port, parking, facilities available, rail links, nearby accommodation, etc...
They could obviously add boat times, trackers, webcams, freight info and much more.
In other news, was in the port early on Sunday morning and the Welcome to Ireland sign has been cleaned at last ! Hopefully not the last improvement for 2018.
I think most of us would probably agree though that they'd be best concentrating on improving the port itself instead of blowing a load of cash on a website. Good to hear they've done something. Hopefully it was actually cleaned and not just "cleaned" by the weather lol
If they updated and kept the existing website up to date that would be a significant improvement.
Was in Rosslare yesterday and have to say that the terminal looks a lot tidier than on my last visit. The area outside the building has new bedding plants in the pots and the flags flying all look new and fresh. Inside everything looks and smells much fresher and cleaner. The coffee shop was open and the seating are has been upgraded.
I mentioned it to my other half that it looked like the place had been spruced up and she agreed that they'd definitely had some sort of deep clean ;D
Quote from: ccs on April 08, 2018, 10:10:36 AM
Was in Rosslare yesterday and have to say that the terminal looks a lot tidier than on my last visit. The area outside the building has new bedding plants in the pots and the flags flying all look new and fresh. Inside everything looks and smells much fresher and cleaner. The coffee shop was open and the seating are has been upgraded.
I mentioned it to my other half that it looked like the place had been spruced up and she agreed that they'd definitely had some sort of deep clean ;D
Fair bit of 'local' political pressure....so they are finally spending a few bob painting and putting in new seats etc.
Theres a new manager too so maybe that has helped.
Was in the harbour for a short time on Sunday and looks much better for definite, all signs are now cleaned and flags do look new. This is how it should always be.
Also noticed Irish Rail ! Have taken a billboard opposite the train station/ terminus. The Stena Line billboard also looked refreshed.
Keep up the good work Rosslare, next job is the road surface on the hill, get it redone before the summer.
From Wexford People
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/business/port-is-vital-to-development-36790823.html
haven't travelled through the port now for some time but wondered whether there is evidence of improvements made to the port. Also; have not heard anything in the news or via twitter etc as to what improvements or investment in port facilities and infrastructure will be made or whether port is to be privatised
The Irish Goverment planned a new port entrance byepassing Rosslare Harbour Village and an upgrade of the N25 to Wexford. When it will be built is anyones guess and with speculation on the future Fishguard and irish ferries services to France one would wonder about future investment.
To be fair the port has been cleaned up, lick of paint where needed, new speed limit signs at top of the hill, signs cleaned, new flags, flowers, road markings, damaged fencing replaced, also apparently terminal has been cleaned up ( I have not been in there recently)
It certainly looks more inviting than it did six months ago, the former railway track area is the only neglected area now, (still can't believe they moved the railway).
Port ramps/ Linkspan are all modern, so not much more they can do at the moment with the three main berths.
Maybe bring back a fast craft for the summer !!!!!!
Quote from: giftgrub on June 30, 2018, 04:51:25 PM
To be fair the port has been cleaned up, lick of paint where needed, new speed limit signs at top of the hill, signs cleaned, new flags, flowers, road markings, damaged fencing replaced, also apparently terminal has been cleaned up ( I have not been in there recently)
It certainly looks more inviting than it did six months ago, the former railway track area is the only neglected area now, (still can't believe they moved the railway).
Port ramps/ Linkspan are all modern, so not much more they can do at the moment with the three main berths.
Maybe bring back a fast craft for the summer !!!!!!
At least something is being done. Wouldn't hold my breath on that fast craft though!
Quote from: giftgrub on June 30, 2018, 04:51:25 PM
To be fair the port has been cleaned up, lick of paint where needed, new speed limit signs at top of the hill, signs cleaned, new flags, flowers, road markings, damaged fencing replaced, also apparently terminal has been cleaned up ( I have not been in there recently)
It certainly looks more inviting than it did six months ago, the former railway track area is the only neglected area now, (still can't believe they moved the railway).
Port ramps/ Linkspan are all modern, so not much more they can do at the moment with the three main berths.
Maybe bring back a fast craft for the summer !!!!!!
I was there a few weeks ago (10th and 15th June), the last time having been in the summer of 1989 when the terminal was brand new. The money had then run out to build enclosed walkways/gangways to all of the berths and a travelator in the enclosed walkway from what was then the Sealink berth; I recall a long walk to and from the terminal.
As I left a very empty Rosslare, on a very quiet Isle of Innishmore (which looks tired inside, but well looked after, and could somebody please explain the point of the split-level atrium at the stern? A waste of space and the windows need a good clean), I started to wonder what the future is likely to hold. Given what we now know about Stena at Fishguard, it seems there is a lot of over capacity on the southern corridor. Is the Innishmore too big for the route, even if Stena closes Fishguard down? Pembroke Dock, the first time I have been there, seemed very small and I can see why some of you have posted that the authorities might be glad to see the back of the ferry service.
The French services seem to be busier; there were lots of trailers parked.
I now see why Irish Ferries have put their investment into a service from Dublin to Cherbourg.
Should Stena close Fishguard, might they move the Cherbourg service to Cork?
Would Irish Ferries soak up Stena's Fishguard business and carry on from Pembroke?
Might Stena open a new service from Bristol to Cork? I know I have posted about this before and some of you thought not. Surely it might pull in hauliers from further into the south-west of England, in addition to south wales? The port is close to the M5 and close to Bristol Parkway. Or, does the the lock at Bristol render it a non-starter? Cork is a bigger port about to receive a lot of investment and with better road connections.
I saw the Stena Europe as she passed the Innishmore on her way to Fishguard; a fine looking ship and well looked after.
Looking forward to reading the responses of those better informed than me!
Matt
Stena have reaffirmed their commitment to Fishguard in the press, so for now at least they won't be making changes at Rosslare either.
QuoteStena 'fully committed' to Fishguard ferry terminal
28 June 2018
The Stena Line ferry company has insisted it is "fully committed to supporting and developing" its terminal at Fishguard in Pembrokeshire.
Eight days ago it announced it had dropped a £5m plan to replace the flexible ship-to-shore bridge that allows vehicles on and off.
Local councillors described it a "worrying time" for the town.
The new commitment to the port came in an updated statement on Thursday.
The ferry operator had already invited tenders for the work to replace the Linkspan bridge on the Fishguard to Rosslare route.
But earlier this month it cancelled the plan and said it did not now "have a timescale for future developments".
The decision followed Stena's scrapping of plans for a marina and apartments at the Fishguard terminal in January to "focus all resources on our core business".
Local councillor Pat Davies said she was deeply concerned by Stena's decision not to proceed with the new ship-to-shore connection and that the company could pull out.
"I can't really bear to think about it actually and other people in our community feel the same," she said.
"There is no alternative employment in our area to pick up that shortfall."
Transport expert Dr Andrew Potter from Cardiff University said the port could struggle to survive without the funding.
"Stena Line has to look at the Holyhead route which is the main Irish sea route," he said.
"It may be that they are reserving their funds for Holyhead at the expense of Fishguard."
In response Stena Line has reissued its statement from earlier this month with an amended last line.
It said: "Stena Line does not have a timescale for possible future developments but remains fully committed to supporting and developing its ferry services at Fishguard."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-44644552
Quote from: Matt73 on June 30, 2018, 08:44:10 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on June 30, 2018, 04:51:25 PM
To be fair the port has been cleaned up, lick of paint where needed, new speed limit signs at top of the hill, signs cleaned, new flags, flowers, road markings, damaged fencing replaced, also apparently terminal has been cleaned up ( I have not been in there recently)
It certainly looks more inviting than it did six months ago, the former railway track area is the only neglected area now, (still can't believe they moved the railway).
Port ramps/ Linkspan are all modern, so not much more they can do at the moment with the three main berths.
Maybe bring back a fast craft for the summer !!!!!!
I was there a few weeks ago (10th and 15th June), the last time having been in the summer of 1989 when the terminal was brand new. The money had then run out to build enclosed walkways/gangways to all of the berths and a travelator in the enclosed walkway from what was then the Sealink berth; I recall a long walk to and from the terminal.
As I left a very empty Rosslare, on a very quiet Isle of Innishmore (which looks tired inside, but well looked after, and could somebody please explain the point of the split-level atrium at the stern? A waste of space and the windows need a good clean), I started to wonder what the future is likely to hold. Given what we now know about Stena at Fishguard, it seems there is a lot of over capacity on the southern corridor. Is the Innishmore too big for the route, even if Stena closes Fishguard down? Pembroke Dock, the first time I have been there, seemed very small and I can see why some of you have posted that the authorities might be glad to see the back of the ferry service.
The French services seem to be busier; there were lots of trailers parked.
I now see why Irish Ferries have put their investment into a service from Dublin to Cherbourg.
Should Stena close Fishguard, might they move the Cherbourg service to Cork?
Would Irish Ferries soak up Stena's Fishguard business and carry on from Pembroke?
Might Stena open a new service from Bristol to Cork? I know I have posted about this before and some of you thought not. Surely it might pull in hauliers from further into the south-west of England, in addition to south wales? The port is close to the M5 and close to Bristol Parkway. Or, does the the lock at Bristol render it a non-starter? Cork is a bigger port about to receive a lot of investment and with better road connections.
I saw the Stena Europe as she passed the Innishmore on her way to Fishguard; a fine looking ship and well looked after.
Looking forward to reading the responses of those better informed than me!
Matt
Hi Matt, the enclosed walkways were built when the terminal was built, the IF one was removed when the port was reconfigured, never knew they were thinking of a travelator in those days.
The veranda on the stern of the Inishmore is a large seating area, obviously when running from Dublin you could fit quite a few people in this area, increasing passenger capacity.
Stena and IF future plans will be Brexit influenced, personally I would think the status quo will stay as is, cannot see either operator leaving the routes. As also posted after your post, Stena have not given up on Fishguard.
QuoteStena and IF future plans will be Brexit influenced, personally I would think the status quo will stay as is, cannot see either operator leaving the routes. As also posted after your post, Stena have not given up on Fishguard.
Exactly, with Brexit around the corner it's not the time that make major changes. The southern corridor is an entirely different kettle of fish to the central corridor.
The veranda windows on Isle of Inishmore and Isle of Inishfree are not dirty , their seals are blown out due to sea conditions, engine vibrations etc and leak in heavy seas. The cost of replacing them is not justifiable given the lack of use this area gets normally during refit cover on Dublin Holyhead route. I understand the Isle of Innisfree was in worse condition prior to sale than the ones on Isle of Inishmore mainly due to more severe engine vibration on the Isle of Innisfree.
Quote from: Steven on July 02, 2018, 07:30:49 PM
QuoteStena and IF future plans will be Brexit influenced, personally I would think the status quo will stay as is, cannot see either operator leaving the routes. As also posted after your post, Stena have not given up on Fishguard.
Exactly, with Brexit around the corner it's not the time that make major changes. The southern corridor is an entirely different kettle of fish to the central corridor.
Many thanks to you and Steven for setting me right!
Matt
Quote from: IFPete on July 02, 2018, 08:20:12 PM
The veranda windows on Isle of Inishmore and Isle of Inishfree are not dirty , their seals are blown out due to sea conditions, engine vibrations etc and leak in heavy seas. The cost of replacing them is not justifiable given the lack of use this area gets normally during refit cover on Dublin Holyhead route. I understand the Isle of Innisfree was in worse condition prior to sale than the ones on Isle of Inishmore mainly due to more severe engine vibration on the Isle of Innisfree.
Many thanks Pete.
Matt
Quote from: IFPete on July 02, 2018, 08:20:12 PM
The veranda windows on Isle of Inishmore and Isle of Inishfree are not dirty , their seals are blown out due to sea conditions, engine vibrations etc and leak in heavy seas. The cost of replacing them is not justifiable given the lack of use this area gets normally during refit cover on Dublin Holyhead route. I understand the Isle of Innisfree was in worse condition prior to sale than the ones on Isle of Inishmore mainly due to more severe engine vibration on the Isle of Innisfree.
Bilt to a price. Get what you pay for
Quote from: NathanBrady on July 04, 2018, 08:09:57 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 02, 2018, 08:20:12 PM
The veranda windows on Isle of Inishmore and Isle of Inishfree are not dirty , their seals are blown out due to sea conditions, engine vibrations etc and leak in heavy seas. The cost of replacing them is not justifiable given the lack of use this area gets normally during refit cover on Dublin Holyhead route. I understand the Isle of Innisfree was in worse condition prior to sale than the ones on Isle of Inishmore mainly due to more severe engine vibration on the Isle of Innisfree.
Bilt to a price. Get what you pay for
VGN certainly weren't known for overcharging. Its not like she's a new vessel either though!
There was a protest today in Rosslare apparently about the withdrawal of the France service over winter. People (and local press) seem to be surprised, but it was known this was happening months ago! I've even seen it referred to as a rumour in some places (pretty sure this was announced as part of this years timetable, we've certainly been talking about it on here for months).
It seems to be a bit of a case of shutting the gate once the horse has bolted, no?
Is there any source for "protest" in Rosslare?
The withdrawal of Oscar Wilde Rosslare/France has been rumoured for some time:
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/goreyguardian/news/fears-for-future-of-oscar-wilde-ferry-out-of-rosslare-port-34797948.html
Why would people be protesting now? Also, does it matter much to people in Wexford? How many people are directly employed by the Oscar Wilde in that region and on the indirect side, there are still other services from Rosslare.
Quote from: Dart on July 08, 2018, 12:12:51 PM
Is there any source for "protest" in Rosslare?
The withdrawal of Oscar Wilde Rosslare/France has been rumoured for some time:
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/goreyguardian/news/fears-for-future-of-oscar-wilde-ferry-out-of-rosslare-port-34797948.html
Why would people be protesting now? Also, does it matter much to people in Wexford? How many people are directly employed by the Oscar Wilde in that region and on the indirect side, there are still other services from Rosslare.
Local media. The reason it's come to the fore now is Sinn Fein are pushing it
https://wexfordtoday.com/2018/07/04/strong-public-support-for-rosslare-europort/
The article below is potentially more interesting for the fact that nowhere does it say that Irish Ferries are promising to deliver the Rosslare to France service next year. Just speculating here, but if the uproar now they have politicians pushing the issue isn't all that bad could they be tempted to let Oscar go if the right offer comes in? Of course had Dublin to France ran it's full schedule this year they'd have a better idea of the impact but they will know the number of bookings they had already taken before cancelling those services. At present they can also shift much of the blame to the port as well of course.
https://m.wexfordpeople.ie/news/fears-for-port-as-one-winter-service-is-axed-37073362.html
The point I think is being slightly missed is that the winter service is sustained by freight, and for various reasons Dublin is more popular with the majority of freight. Until recently hauliers have had little choice but to drive to Rosslare, and we also need to remember the increased frequency from Cork (and winter service) and the Neptune service from Rosslare which has been taking an amount of freight as well. Irish Ferries of course have the data already of Rosslare/Dublin - France winter carryings to compare. If Epsilon is doing as well as or better than Oscar on that weekend service then the likelihood is that is only going to get more the case when a week round service is introduced, at the expense of carrying at Rosslare. The Ireland to France freight pie is only so big and is being divided up by more routes and operators than before. Without a large increase in volumes being shipped there was always going to be a casualty and in this case it looks to have been the least efficient winter service.
Who wants to go to cherborg in winter?
Quote from: NathanBrady on July 15, 2018, 02:58:17 PM
Who wants to go to cherborg in winter?
Good point! Have never been there, always go to Caen/Ouistreham.
Why haven't Brittany Ferries opened a service from Cork to Caen? Too far? Given that Cherbourg, and Le Havre for that matter, are on 100 mile + long peninsulas, why not take the extra time at sea, save the drivers the fuel and go to Caen? Or, is the port just too rammed with the traffic from Portsmouth?
Matt
Quote from: Matt73 on July 21, 2018, 06:24:22 PM
Quote from: NathanBrady on July 15, 2018, 02:58:17 PM
Who wants to go to cherborg in winter?
Good point! Have never been there, always go to Caen/Ouistreham.
Why haven't Brittany Ferries opened a service from Cork to Caen? Too far? Given that Cherbourg, and Le Havre for that matter, are on 100 mile + long peninsulas, why not take the extra time at sea, save the drivers the fuel and go to Caen? Or, is the port just too rammed with the traffic from Portsmouth?
Matt
Possibly isn't the demand, plus ticket prices would have to rise due to the extra costs with the longer voyage. Could also be capacity or fleet utilisation related. Brittany Ferries fleet policy in particular is quite complicated due to the charter agreements from the cooperatives that own some of the vessels I believe.
Was in Rosslare early on Sunday and spotted the new Stena Line billboard "Guardians of the Gaelic Sea" on the roundabout and also a sign telling construction traffic to stay left !
Did not have phone with me so no images.
Also Neptune Aegli was in port and seemed to have a few trailers waiting.
Also reading an old copy of the Wexford People apparently Rosslare Eurosport makes about 2.5 million euro profit per Annum, money which if kept would allow purchase of land between SuperValu and Roche Freight for Development of custom check halls and food check areas, Lorry parks etc in event of Brexit and also many other options if Britain goes through with this.
Simply route all freight out the back entrance and all checks could take place outside port, in dedicated area.
Will Ocscar Wilde operate from Rosslare or Dublin in 2019.
Quote from: giftgrub on November 12, 2018, 06:55:00 PM
Was in Rosslare early on Sunday and spotted the new Stena Line billboard "Guardians of the Gaelic Sea" on the roundabout and also a sign telling construction traffic to stay left !
Did not have phone with me so no images.
Also Neptune Aegli was in port and seemed to have a few trailers waiting.
Also reading an old copy of the Wexford People apparently Rosslare Eurosport makes about 2.5 million euro profit per Annum, money which if kept would allow purchase of land between SuperValu and Roche Freight for Development of custom check halls and food check areas, Lorry parks etc in event of Brexit and also many other options if Britain goes through with this.
Simply route all freight out the back entrance and all checks could take place outside port, in dedicated area.
Problem is the profit seems to be used to prop up CIE.
I know Pirrenial Freight at least have a contract with Neptune. Wouldn't be surprised if there are a few others.
At a recent meeting between Wexford County Council and Iarnrod Eireann it was confirmed that there are no plans to close the Rosslare to Gorey rail line as treats been going on in recent years. It was also stated that 2.8 million going to be spent over the next year at Rosslare Europort.
Am trying to find out what was proposed in the news for investment for the port yesterday. In monetary terms and possible project outline
Quote from: pdnr777 on November 14, 2018, 07:33:25 PM
Am trying to find out what was proposed in the news for investment for the port yesterday. In monetary terms and possible project outline
€15m over a number of years (5?) apparently. Sounds a lot but really isn't to be honest. Linkspan replacement has been mentioned by some I believe - P&O's new Cairnryan linkspan cost in the region of £13m including all the assosciated work (which included realignment) and Portsmouth just invested £9m in a new twin tier linkspan. I recall a couple of years ago Rosslare Port was making a couple of million a year so if this is still the case CIE are only reinvesting the money the port makes anyway!
Cork is spending a heck of a lot more in any case!
Don't think it's linkspan related, that would be a very specific capital project and not where they need to look at the moment, three modern link spans at port, one a double deck should be sufficient and the other two can be converted to double deck quite easily.
Would expect more info in the People this week.
Quote from: giftgrub on November 18, 2018, 09:27:23 PM
Don't think it's linkspan related, that would be a very specific capital project and not where they need to look at the moment, three modern link spans at port, one a double deck should be sufficient and the other two can be converted to double deck quite easily.
Would expect more info in the People this week.
We shall see in due course. Details have been very sketchy tbh. Surprised there doesn't seem to be any official statement at all. Missed PR opportunity?
From Wexford People
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/tunnel-vision-no-rail-line-service-lacks-innovation-37544658.html
David Looby at Wexford County Council's meeting
November 24 2018 12:00 AM
Commuters are going to have to continue to put up with substandard railway cars and limited access to Dublin via train.
This was the message that councillors heard about the future of the Rosslare Europort to Dublin line having been briefed by Irish Rail press officer Barry Kenny.
Submissions were made by Wexford County Council CEO Tom Enright for improved train carriages and a fresh look at the train service - suggesting commuters disembark the train at Bray, before accessing one of the frequent Dart trains into the city centre.
Mr Kenny said there are no plans for any major changes on the 170km train track route to Bray.
'The average journey time into Connolly Station is two hours, 23 minutes. This is a challenge with the upgrade of the roads,' he cautioned, before pointing to a 9 per cent increase in train journeys made this year compared to the first ten months of last year.
A €5 each way promotion saw a 20 per cent increase in passengers availing of the train service to and from Dublin over the summer.
There are plans to introduce a fleet of extra intermediate rail cars, but a suggestion by Cllr Robbie Ireton for the train route - (one of the most scenic in Europe, he believes) - to be made into an Orient Express type experience was run aground by Mr Kenny.
The Irish Rail spokesperson had an eye on the clock and the coast as he was catching the last train back to Dublin. He expressed concern about the negative effects climate change is having on the Wexford and Wicklow coastlines, saying a medium to long term strategy is needed.
Mr Kenny confirmed that Irish Rail has no plans to close the Gorey to Rosslare line, saying, instead that the company is in expansion mode for the coming decade.
Mr Enright said a submission was made to Irish Rail in January of last year that the Rosslare service could be truncated at Bray at peak times when passengers when disembark for a Dart train.
Calling for a more frequent train service from Dublin to Wexford and Wexford to Dublin, he said an express service is needed to get commuters to meetings and appointments. 'The train could skip smaller stations so people could get on in the morning and be in Dublin in time for their meeting and get back in the evening.'
The fact that the rail line is unique in the country by virtue of the fact it is the only service where customers can't sit down and work on their computers.
Mr Enright called for the rail cars to be upgraded, saying: 'We were promised that this would happen by the previous CEO.'
He said coastal erosion is a particular concern for the council as it could lead to the closure of the rail line for a significant period of time.
'It could close and make it difficult to reopen it in a speedy manner.'
Cllr Malcolm Byrne said the same urban Irish Rail rolling stock has been in use, more or less, on the Rosslare Harbour to Dublin line for 20 years, apart from a brief hiatus in 2005 for a few years when luxurious trains were run on the tracks.
He disagreed with Mr Enright's plan to have passengers disembark the train at Bray, saying he doesn't believe this would speed up the journey.
Cllr Byrne said considering traffic in and around Dublin is now busier than at the peak of the boom in the mid-Noughties, there is an ideal opportunity for the train service to fill the gap in the market. 'This is an ideal opportunity to relieve a bit of the pressure on the N11. It also makes sense for environmental reasons but does Irish Rail have that innovative thinking?'
Cllr Larry O'Brien outlined how councillors received a commitment that the Rosslare to Waterford line would remain open, but it was closed a decade ago.
He said there have been subsequent issues involving the company, including the fact that foot passengers disembarking ferries had to wait hours for a train, as it pulled out from the station minutes before they arrived.
Cllr Oisin O'Connell said there is an opportunity to provide a freight train service for goods from Rosslare Europort across the country. 'Based on past experience the lack of joined up thinking regarding Rosslare Europort and the rail network has been somewhat underwhelming. It's symptomatic of a corporate culture that is willing to allow certain infrastructure to wither on the vine so the low lying fruit can be snatched up.'
Mr Kenny said the rail service is now connected with the ships arrival times.
More detail on future plans here. Ambitious (and costly)
https://m.independent.ie/regionals/newrossstandard/news/15m-plan-for-rosslare-37544182.html
Great find Steven, well done.
Makes interesting reading, there are some positive signs in the article and in reality when you visit the port.
On a couple of issues there is a massive piece of land for sale for years next to Rochefreight which would be an ideal check area, for food and agri, accessible from back road out of port, if developed.
The motor way extension from Oylegate to Rosslare will happen but not for a long time yet, nothing to do with the port and traffic jams in Rosslare Harbour are rare, not a hindrance to traffic.
Well done to the new manager I think he might look at this forum occasionally and credit where credit is due, things do look better in the port.
When the terminal first opened it was a destination on Saturday/Sunday for teas/coffees/lunches/beers as people could freely access the car park and the "patio" area was accessible so there was always a buzz around the place and combined with travelers on the Ferries often full. These are different times, but even giving the restaurant free rent for a year or setting an income threshold would allow some ambitious individuals to take a punt, also give them the rights for a coffee hut in the standing area for cars and they can take some additional income from combining coffee with milk into a 3 euro cup of magic !
The new manager has certainly improved the look of the place. It doesn't have the abandoned look that it had for last few years. However his next challenge may prove harder than cosmetic change. The best of luck to him.
Quote from: giftgrub on November 26, 2018, 09:05:11 PM
Great find Steven, well done.
Makes interesting reading, there are some positive signs in the article and in reality when you visit the port.
On a couple of issues there is a massive piece of land for sale for years next to Rochefreight which would be an ideal check area, for food and agri, accessible from back road out of port, if developed.
The motor way extension from Oylegate to Rosslare will happen but not for a long time yet, nothing to do with the port and traffic jams in Rosslare Harbour are rare, not a hindrance to traffic.
Well done to the new manager I think he might look at this forum occasionally and credit where credit is due, things do look better in the port.
When the terminal first opened it was a destination on Saturday/Sunday for teas/coffees/lunches/beers as people could freely access the car park and the "patio" area was accessible so there was always a buzz around the place and combined with travelers on the Ferries often full. These are different times, but even giving the restaurant free rent for a year or setting an income threshold would allow some ambitious individuals to take a punt, also give them the rights for a coffee hut in the standing area for cars and they can take some additional income from combining coffee with milk into a 3 euro cup of magic !
The major problem will be getting the required investment. We could be talking €100m+ for his little wish list, and it's hard to see where that is going to come from. As discussed here previously, CIE have been pocketing the "surplus" generated by the port to prop up railway operations which are loss making - where are they going to find that type of cash to invest in a single facility when I'm sure there are plenty of other places in the Iarnród Éireann portfolio that have also been starved of investment? The EU might be able to assist with some funding of course, but they are hardly going to hand over the greater part of what's needed.
For me they are only really interested now because the "surplus" as they call it has been declining for a number of years. The magic money tree is starting to go bare!
More news
https://www.rte.ie/amp/1023366/
There are concerns that one of the country's main ports is not prepared for Brexit, despite Government plans for a €45 million improvement scheme.
Rosslare Europort provides ferry links between Ireland and the Welsh ports of Fishguard and Pembroke.
Plans have been announced by the Office of Public Works for a new customs facility at the port, as well as upgraded revenue, agriculture and immigration controls.
Glen Carr, General Manager of the CIE-operated port, said that given up to 70% of goods transported through Rosslare are agricultural and food produce, it is essential that a border inspection post is built.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Carr said it has been envisioned that this would take between two and a half and three years to build.
He added that the design phase for the facility has been completed with the OPW, and the planning phase is set to begin.
"I think the congestion is going to be our biggest fear. There isn't enough room to accommodate the vehicles coming in"
Piece on RTE Radio 1s Morning Ireland about the closure. Interview with a local business owners about how they will be affected. Glenn Carr the manager of the port was also interviewed.
The programme will be available to listen to/download later today https://www.rte.ie/radio1/morning-ireland/podcasts/ (https://www.rte.ie/radio1/morning-ireland/podcasts/)
It was on at approx 8.45 so 45 minutes into the 2nd hour.
Some more here
https://www.rte.ie/amp/1023998/
The announcement by Irish Ferries that it would not run a French ferry service from Rosslare this summer came as a big shock for local people in the Wexford port.
Not least for Glen Carr, the General manager of Rosslare Europort, which is run by CIE.
He said the loss of the Irish Ferries service equates to around 10% of the port's income.
So far, Irish Ferries has not said anything further than their original statement in December in which it said it was unlikely that the service would operate this year but it "will continue to keep this situation under review".
The company said that a majority of its customers have a clear preference for the more central location and easy access of Dublin.
It said the new WB Yeats ferry will operate from Dublin to Cherbourg, with 20% greater passenger capacity up to four days per week.
Local business owners in the village of Rosslare Harbour are concerned as they rely on port traffic for a boost to the seasonal economy.
Families heading off to France tend to do a last minute stop at the SuperValu shop, which sits right at the entrance to the port.
Owner Alan Murphy said they organise their deli counter rosters and stock around the French service - knowing that coach tours and families like to pick up a "chicken fillet roll" or tea bags and sausages as they head off and he is concerned about the knock-on effect to his bottom line this summer.
One customer who won't be popping in this summer is Karen Cormack.
Karen and her family went on holiday to France in 2017, with Irish Ferries to Roscoff and stayed within an hour's drive from the north French port.
They liked where they stayed so she put a deposit down last October in order to book it again for this summer. She waited, like a lot of Irish families, for Irish Ferries to open up its bookings, but instead, the announcement it wouldn't be sailing to Roscoff from Rosslare came.
Karen didn't want to go to Cherbourg as it would be a further five hour drive to accommodation so she's decided to book with Brittany Ferries who do travel into Roscoff, but from Cork.
Despite living in Dublin, she said the drive to Cork is worth it, weighing up the hour versus five hour drive the other side.
Back in Rosslare Harbour village, which used to be home to a few different hotels, it is now B&B's and guest houses that mainly provide accommodation for tourists.
Margaret Hartigan is the owner of Clifford House B&B. She's been here for 40 years and she says in all that time, there has been an Irish Ferries French service, two in fact for a time. Now she's worried about missing the European trade - the tourists who come and stay and use this part of the sunny southeast as a base while they explore the region.
Standing outside her house on the cliff top above the beach with a panoramic view of the Europort terminal building and berths, Margaret tells me she hopes another company will be persuaded to come and take up the Irish Ferries Rosslare-France service.
That's something Glen Carr is hoping for too. He said CIE is actively talking to other shipping lines in the hope they can get the business back to Rosslare Europort.
Behind paywall from last Sunday's business post
https://www.businesspost.ie/news/ross-urged-liberate-rosslare-port-british-rule-434905
Basically suggesting Rosslare needs needs to be taken out of the "Fishguard & Rosslare Railways & Harbours company", To allow government more control over the area.
Unlikely to happen given the legal complexity of the company and the stakeholders, on the Irish side CIE through Irish Rail have control, and CIE are state owned.....
Stena control the Welsh side of the business.
Its all the NTA's fault for making IF pay compensation to passengers apparently now anyway ::). You know, in the same way, that every other ferry company in Europe has to pay out compensation!!!!
Quote"Ongoing discussions with the NTA on the interpretation of EU regulation has been a critical factor in regretfully concluding that we are unlikely to operate the Oscar Wilde to France out of Rosslare in 2019 – a service which has been in operation continuously for 45 years, providing the South East of the country with an important tourism and freight link directly to the European market. The NTA's approach to the Regulation has contributed to making the route commercially unviable into the future. Furthermore, the NTA interpretation of the EU Regulation specifically regarding land bridge (i.e. travel between Ireland to France through Britain), significantly penalises regional ports due to their lower frequency of back up ferry services from Ireland to the UK in the event of a cancellation of a direct Continental service"
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news-listing/irish-ferries-statement-regarding-the-nta-decision-concerning-cancellation-of-w.b.-yeats-service/
Investment
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/state-buying-bill-cullen-s-former-rosslare-import-centre-for-brexit-checks-1.3784572
See also the back page of local Wexford newspapers this week, which sets out the complexities of Rosslare Europort ownership, which includes UK Government!
Sorry I only have hard copy so no link.
Quote from: DaveW1946 on February 07, 2019, 06:20:45 AM
See also the back page of local Wexford newspapers this week, which sets out the complexities of Rosslare Europort ownership, which includes UK Government!
Sorry I only have hard copy so no link.
From my understanding of the company that controls both ports, basically IrishRail are responsible for Rosslare and Stena for Fishguard, if you work back it's Irish government and UK respectively and back further Great Western Railway (UK) and Great Southern & Western Railway (Irl).
At the end of the day, Stena own Fishguard and IrishRail Rosslare, so the buck stops with IrishRail (CIE) in Ireland.
As Ireland's second largest port, the penny might be about to drop that investment is required as you cannot route everything through Dublin.
More on Rosslare investment plans and Brexit
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/rosslare-plans-to-take-advantage-of-brexit-world-of-opportunities-1.3785684
Quote from: DaveW1946 on February 07, 2019, 06:20:45 AM
See also the back page of local Wexford newspapers this week, which sets out the complexities of Rosslare Europort ownership, which includes UK Government!
Sorry I only have hard copy so no link.
Link to the article here
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/confusion-over-ownership-may-have-hit-investment-in-rosslare-says-td-37784010.html
Pádraig Byrne
Complications surrounding the ownership of Rosslare Europort are likely to have been a major factor in the lack of investment seen there in recent years, according to Fianna Fáil Deputy James Browne.
After doing some digging, Deputy Browne believes he's gotten to the bottom of the ownership issue and has raised the matter on several occasions in the Dáil with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
'Basically, I've done a bit of digging on this, and Rosslare Europort was established under the Rosslare Fishguard Harbours Company 1898 by UK statutory instrument. That covers the two ports and a bit of the railway at either side. Under this act, the British government delegated control of Rosslare to Iarnróid Eireann and Fishguard comes under the control of Stena Line. Essentially it's an arrangement like the ESB - it's state owned, but the government have very little hand or part in its running.'
'Effectively,' he continued. 'The future of Rosslare Europort is in the hands of the UK government. They could opt to dissolve the company if they wished to. Now I'm sure Iarnróid Eireann would fight that every step of the way, but hypothetically, it's possible. I don't think Britain has any particular economic or political interest in the port, it's just not on their agenda, until the Irish government puts it on their agenda.'
'Maybe in the wake of Brexit, the UK government will be happy to keep a port in the EU,' Deputy Browne added. 'I'm not suggesting that we'll start to see British navy ships down in Rosslare or anything, but it's something that needs to be resolved.'
Deputy Browne has urged the government to reach out to the Departments of transport and foreign affairs in the UK in a bid to sort out the ownership once and for all. He says a piece of legislation needs to be passed in both the UK and Ireland.
'If we want to get the port back into Irish hands, we need to go to the UK government and say it,' he said. 'Nobody really knows who has the final say on the future of Rosslare and I think that's been a problem. Iarnróid Eireann were quite happy to have the government take over the port and to walk away, but they were given control by UK statute. I think that's been a reason for a failure to invest in Rosslare.'
Wexford People
Quote from: giftgrub on February 11, 2019, 10:27:13 PM
Quote from: DaveW1946 on February 07, 2019, 06:20:45 AM
See also the back page of local Wexford newspapers this week, which sets out the complexities of Rosslare Europort ownership, which includes UK Government!
Sorry I only have hard copy so no link.
Link to the article here
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/confusion-over-ownership-may-have-hit-investment-in-rosslare-says-td-37784010.html
Pádraig Byrne
Complications surrounding the ownership of Rosslare Europort are likely to have been a major factor in the lack of investment seen there in recent years, according to Fianna Fáil Deputy James Browne.
After doing some digging, Deputy Browne believes he's gotten to the bottom of the ownership issue and has raised the matter on several occasions in the Dáil with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
'Basically, I've done a bit of digging on this, and Rosslare Europort was established under the Rosslare Fishguard Harbours Company 1898 by UK statutory instrument. That covers the two ports and a bit of the railway at either side. Under this act, the British government delegated control of Rosslare to Iarnróid Eireann and Fishguard comes under the control of Stena Line. Essentially it's an arrangement like the ESB - it's state owned, but the government have very little hand or part in its running.'
'Effectively,' he continued. 'The future of Rosslare Europort is in the hands of the UK government. They could opt to dissolve the company if they wished to. Now I'm sure Iarnróid Eireann would fight that every step of the way, but hypothetically, it's possible. I don't think Britain has any particular economic or political interest in the port, it's just not on their agenda, until the Irish government puts it on their agenda.'
'Maybe in the wake of Brexit, the UK government will be happy to keep a port in the EU,' Deputy Browne added. 'I'm not suggesting that we'll start to see British navy ships down in Rosslare or anything, but it's something that needs to be resolved.'
Deputy Browne has urged the government to reach out to the Departments of transport and foreign affairs in the UK in a bid to sort out the ownership once and for all. He says a piece of legislation needs to be passed in both the UK and Ireland.
'If we want to get the port back into Irish hands, we need to go to the UK government and say it,' he said. 'Nobody really knows who has the final say on the future of Rosslare and I think that's been a problem. Iarnróid Eireann were quite happy to have the government take over the port and to walk away, but they were given control by UK statute. I think that's been a reason for a failure to invest in Rosslare.'
Wexford People
I'm not sure this is true at all, the company was established via a legal instrument but it isn't state-owned, certainly the UK half. The UK government's shareholding in the Fishguard & Rosslare company went with Sealink upon privatisation and thence to Stena. So Stena legally hold half ownership of Rosslare and the Irish railways half ownership of Fishguard. But as stated they have agreement to treat Fishguard as if it were fully owned by Stena and vice-versa at Rosslare. And I can't imagine Stena being an impediment to development.
The accounts of Stena Line Ports Limited are very clear about this -
(http://hhvferry.com/fishguardandrosslarecompany1.JPG)
(http://hhvferry.com/fishguardandrosslarecompany2.JPG)
Yes, I think the Respective Dail members are coming to this late and don't understand the set up, they are only looking at one side of the information.
As mentioned before IrishRail (CIE) responsible for Rosslare, Stena & Associated Stena Companies Fishguard and there the mystery ends.
And more
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/delegation-visits-brussels-for-europort-discussion-37784012.html
And some more info
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/news/terms-agreed-for-customs-check-site-in-rosslare-37806024.html
More info
https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/donohoe-outlines-details-of-rosslare-brexit-infrastructure/
Parking bays for 35 ships ? , lazy journos .
More Brexit inspired shenanigans
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/state-to-use-emergency-orders-for-brexit-checkpoints-1.3821123
A must read including suggestions that traffic into Dublin port be rerouted to Cork to ease congestion.
And more on Rosslare
https://www.rte.ie/amp/1040949/
From indeopendent.ie
https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/port-in-a-storm-rosslare-out-to-catch-brexit-tide-38056509.html (https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/port-in-a-storm-rosslare-out-to-catch-brexit-tide-38056509.html)
I THINK WE COULD SEE IF - FRANCE BACK IN ROSSLARE IN NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS
I agree and i suspect Oscar Wilde might return on summer charter in 2020
do ye reckon?
not a bit of a long shot
would OW not be busy for summer in the Med
although i am surprised there has not being a name change on her
OW won't be back she's sold. Innisfree won't be back she's too small.
Quote from: ferryfan on May 03, 2019, 11:06:47 AM
OW won't be back she's sold. Innisfree won't be back she's too small.
thats Gas i remember when the innisfree was first in dublin she was nearly too big for the dublin run
now shes too small for rosslare
Isle of Inishfree is not too small for Rosslare - Fishguard.
She used Fishguard while Pembroke was being upgraded in the late 90s
Innisfree won't be back because of the simple fact THEY SOLD HER for €45m! She isn't owned by ICG! ::)
Couldn't agree more about the Innisfree and OW. Why sell these ships and then bring them back?
A little bird informed me recently that Stena might move their Cherbourg service to Dublin in the next few years. Is this just idle gossip, or something to be concerned about? Perhaps an E-Flexer to challenge the WBY?
Matt
If Stena were to move french service to Dublin, isn't there a shortage of berths already? Having been forced to use the WB Yeats because of Pont Aven problems, we used Dublin for the first time. WHAT A DUMP. Poorly signed from the tunnel, boxed in by HGVs, and the view of stained chimneys and the foamy poor quality effluent from the sewage works - Rosslare is quite picturesque, plus no eflow or tunnel tolls.
Quote from: DaveW1946 on June 05, 2019, 06:21:50 AM
If Stena were to move french service to Dublin, isn't there a shortage of berths already? Having been forced to use the WB Yeats because of Pont Aven problems, we used Dublin for the first time. WHAT A DUMP. Poorly signed from the tunnel, boxed in by HGVs, and the view of stained chimneys and the foamy poor quality effluent from the sewage works - Rosslare is quite picturesque, plus no eflow or tunnel tolls.
Was just reporting what had been said to me, or rather a friend, by a Stena employee. Dublin is being upgraded according to plan published on this forum in the recent past and I think a berth would be found/built if it meant more business.
For the record, I like Rosslare very much. 'Picturesque' is perhaps the problem. Dublin is the capital, and a major hub. Freight is king. Rosslare has lacked significant investment for years. It isn't difficult to see why IF moved the route north with the WBY, or why Stena might do the same.
Matt
you still have to get to rosslare.
Quote from: IFPete on June 07, 2019, 04:13:07 PM
you still have to get to rosslare.
The M11 will soon open up as far as Oilgate later this year, and environmental impact investigations will start soon for the last leg to Rosslare. Such investment suggests someone has got faith in Rosslare as a valuable port. Also saves extra four hours on ferry to France, even quicker if Roscoff is in the equation.
Who or were are the four hours saved .
It takes WB Yeats 4 hours to come level with Rosslare. OK it takes 1.5 hours Dublin to Rosslare by car, but some holidaymakers reckon that this is part of their holiday; far better than the industrial landscape at Dublin Port.
Not really a big selling point i would think , not everyone as such are from from Dublin . Passengers from the west and north are better served from Dublin . As for the industrial landscape , it makes no difference whether you're at a ferry terminal In Dublin or Rosslare they all look the same . In fact Dublin would be more of more interest with the larger variety of vessels in port .
Quote from: DaveW1946 on June 10, 2019, 06:02:52 AM
It takes WB Yeats 4 hours to come level with Rosslare. OK it takes 1.5 hours Dublin to Rosslare by car, but some holidaymakers reckon that this is part of their holiday; far better than the industrial landscape at Dublin Port.
It's actually three hours more to Cherbourg from Dublin not four , The ship sails across at an angle down the Irish Sea . If it were to sail from Dublin to Rosslare Port it would be four hours , but it doesn't . Plus the drive time from Dublin to Rosslare is just over two hours not an hour and a half and more like nearly three hours in reality . So no time saved by going from Rosslare for those travelling from north of Rosslare .
On WB Yeats as I write and after 4 hours we are just level with Rosslare @ 2000 hrs
According to Marine Traffic, WBY departed Dublin at 16.38, so that's 3 hours 22 minutes.
Quote from: Leeman on June 10, 2019, 08:46:33 PM
According to Marine Traffic, WBY departed Dublin at 16.38, so that's 3 hours 22 minutes.
Marine traffic reports on when the ship has left the port not the berth, so there is extra time to be added to Marine Traffic time. I know one of the Captains of the WBY and he said the trip from Dublin is four hours longer than Rosslare.
Using published schedules ,WB Yeats Dublin to Cherbourg 18 hours duration ,Stena Rosslare to Cherbourg 17 hours duration . That's only one hour difference between the two departure points , Epsilon Dublin to Cherbourg is 19 hours duration making it a two hour difference . So this four hours sailing time down the Irish Sea from Dublin to a point somewhere off the coast inline with Rosslare makes little difference over the total sailing time to Cherbourg .
Is the 1 hour difference between WBY and Stena Horizon because WBY is a faster ship?
Quote from: A83 on June 11, 2019, 08:58:44 PM
Is the 1 hour difference between WBY and Stena Horizon because WBY is a faster ship?
Pretty much.
I think the difference in sailing times for WBY from Dublin to Cherbourg is only an hour or so compared to what Oscar used to do as well?
Quote from: A83 on June 11, 2019, 08:58:44 PM
Is the 1 hour difference between WBY and Stena Horizon because WBY is a faster ship?
Speed and distance , Dublin is only 67 nautical miles further from Cherbourg ,
WBY has more power than epsilon and comfortably makes the voyage.
Quote from: IFPete on June 12, 2019, 06:04:59 PM
WBY has more power than epsilon and comfortably makes the voyage.
At what price in higher fuel costs?
Quote from: IFPete on June 12, 2019, 06:04:59 PM
WBY has more power than epsilon and comfortably makes the voyage.
More power maybe but also much bigger , interestingly Epsilon is faster at 24 knots to WB Yeats 23 knots , so size doesn't always matter .
Cost per combined passenger and freight unit will be lower when she is full.
Quote from: Chef on June 12, 2019, 07:49:09 AM
Quote from: A83 on June 11, 2019, 08:58:44 PM
Is the 1 hour difference between WBY and Stena Horizon because WBY is a faster ship?
Speed and distance , Dublin is only 67 nautical miles further from Cherbourg ,
On Monday's sailing WB Yeats was an hour late into Cherbourg on Tuesday, and a similar amount on a return trip we did at the end of May.
Quote from: IFPete on June 12, 2019, 11:14:12 PM
Cost per combined passenger and freight unit will be lower when she is full.
WBY would have to be going some to be more cost efficient than a Visentini.
Thats why Epsilon will run on the Dublin - Cherbourg during the winter.
Quote from: DaveW1946 on June 08, 2019, 05:53:29 AM
Quote from: IFPete on June 07, 2019, 04:13:07 PM
you still have to get to rosslare.
The M11 will soon open up as far as Oilgate later this year, and environmental impact investigations will start soon for the last leg to Rosslare. Such investment suggests someone has got faith in Rosslare as a valuable port. Also saves extra four hours on ferry to France, even quicker if Roscoff is in the equation.
Relatively recently a lovely road to Larne was built which resulted in a total of zero extra services and no increase in demand either to speak of. Its also closer to Scotland than Belfast ::). Don't underestimate how much most people value the convenience of a port near their doorstep. In fact, is that not what this whole Ireland to France "debate" is all about - people in Wexford and other places convenient to Rosslare not being happy because they have to do what people in Dublin (which is by far the largest population centre in the country, not to mention its convenience for those of us to its North) have had to do all along? The new road argument could be flipped on its head as making it easier for people around Rosslare to get to the Dublin services anyway!
It only takes a look at a population density map to see why Dublin has been chosen by Irish Ferries now they have got the crossing time down to a similar duration (as well as why Dublin appears to get more investment)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Population_density_of_Ireland_map2002.svg
That doesn't mean that there should be no investment in Rosslare at all either as there is obviously still demand there for services to Great Britain, just not enough for two services to France plus the services from Cork and Dublin! There is only so much traffic to go around.
In any case, was this thread not supposed to be about investment in Rosslare rather than moaning about Dublin?
Whilst the M-way argument does work both ways, the access/egress to Dublin is appalling. The queues for the tunnel, the badly maintained approach roads, lots more HGV traffic, nowhere to park up if you're early, and no services bar for the terminal. Plus the WBY never arrives on time, and I don't mean by a few minutes (been on it three times this year and been an hour late at least even in good weather). Anyway why did IF dock the WBY at Rosslare as its' first stop in Ireland?
Quote from: DaveW1946 on July 21, 2019, 06:23:58 AM
Whilst the M-way argument does work both ways, the access/egress to Dublin is appalling. The queues for the tunnel, the badly maintained approach roads, lots more HGV traffic, nowhere to park up if you're early, and no services bar for the terminal. Plus the WBY never arrives on time, and I don't mean by a few minutes (been on it three times this year and been an hour late at least even in good weather). Anyway why did IF dock the WBY at Rosslare as its' first stop in Ireland?
It is possible that the WB will in the future provide cover for the IOI when she is dry docked, she was never intended to provide a Ireland France service from Rosslare.
Quote from: DaveW1946 on July 21, 2019, 06:23:58 AM
Whilst the M-way argument does work both ways, the access/egress to Dublin is appalling. The queues for the tunnel, the badly maintained approach roads, lots more HGV traffic, nowhere to park up if you're early, and no services bar for the terminal.
Sums it up for me. I live in Cork so the drive to either Dublin or Rosslare is much of a much really but Rosslare is a much more pleasant experience for the reasons you,ve outlined.
Irish Ferries are learning some leasons with WB Yeats configuration on Dublin Cherbourg, Its not as suited to holiday traffic as Oscar Wilde.
Dont be surpised if they have a 2nd vessel more suited to tourist traffic operating out of rosslare next summer.
Two massive road projects had major milestones last weekend, as mentioned the M11 now starts just North of Oylegate, giving a journey time of 1hr30mins from South Dublin to Rosslare and the RFK bridge in New Ross had the deck completed with final concrete pour, linking Kilkenny and Wexford counties.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/bridging-the-barrow-irelands-longest-bridge-is-now-almost-complete-38333123.html
What has this got to do with a Rosslare ? It brings Rosslare closer to the rest of Ireland and will make it a more competitive destination for the ferry operators.
Depending on traffic to get from say Rathfarnham to Dublin port can take 45 minutes to an hour if you go M50, going through city center not really an option any more, to get to Rosslare is only 30 minutes more, with a far more relaxing terminal area and port arrival.
When the New Ross bypass opens the last major pinch point on the road from Cork to Rosslare will be gone (except Killeagh and Castlemartyr) making it easier again to travel on the Southern route.
Rosslare port needs to capitalize on these road improvements and start advertising the benefits for self loading freight ie regular cars and passengers !
Quote from: IFPete on July 22, 2019, 03:56:53 PM
Irish Ferries are learning some leasons with WB Yeats configuration on Dublin Cherbourg, Its not as suited to holiday traffic as Oscar Wilde.
Dont be surpised if they have a 2nd vessel more suited to tourist traffic operating out of rosslare next summer.
One "lesson" they are learning is they have Epsilon's freight capacity with significant passenger capacity but only have to pay the running costs of one ship instead of two! A Ro-Pax like W.B YEATS has a lot less costs in terms of overheads than a vessel such as Oscar Wilde. The design of W.B. YEATS was very deliberate and is much about minimising costs.
As for a second vessel "more suited to holiday traffic", from where?
More on Rosslare and Brexit
https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/is-rosslare-ready-for-brexit-38356302.html
In the light of the news from Rosslare regarding Brittany Ferries moving in and the sense that things are moving there I took a look at their website. Unfortunately no improvements here, it still lists Oscar Wilde as operating from the port.
http://rosslareeuroport.irishrail.ie/home/
Time for an upgrade?
And the Lynx 1, KB and Inisfree are still listed (//http://)
Would be nice to see a new or at least an updated website at some point. Surely this is a negative aspect as people wishing to use this port have no idea as to what the actual routes are served from Rosslare. Also would be nice to hear as to what upgrades are to be made and when will this upgrades come into place
It is unprofessional for the official website promoting Rosslare Europort to be allowed to misrepresent certain aspects of the port's current offerings.
Irish Ferries
former Rosslare to Cherbourg route (last operated in 2018)
AND
former Rosslare to Roscoff route (last operated in 2018)
should both be removed UNLESS they intend resuming these services during 2020
Also, I gather the vessel the former MV Oscar Wilde used on the legacy routes operated by Irish Ferries was apparently sold in April 2019 so; I cannot understand why the website: http://rosslareeuroport.irishrail.ie/shipping_services/ continues to reference it as it no longer applies as a route option for freight/leisure customers following an announcement made by Irish Ferries in December, 2018. I appreciate that some details can take some time to be updated on corporate websites but this time delay is inexcusable and confusing for visitors who may not be familiar with the current set-up at Rosslare Europort in recent times.
What else is obsolete and outdated on this site one would have to wonder?
Having looked at the site, it seems extremely old-fashioned in terms of design & layout and I'm not confident it is always kept up to date in terms of latest traffic alerts/advisories in real time. Rosslare Europort should use this opportunity to showcase it's positive strengths by updating all relevant details to reflect it's purpose in 2020 and I reckon they should completely overhaul their entire website presence to convey a modern offering to existing & potential users in both business freight & leisure sectors.
Sources:
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/inexplicable-anger-over-decision-to-cancel-rosslare-france-ferry-service-37640138.html
https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-oscar-wilde-sold/
http://rosslareeuroport.irishrail.ie/home/
I got out of the ferry stena superfast x from rosslare to cherbourg the rosslare terminal is sad ls toilets condemned you have to go to the toilet at the top of the terminal no soap and dirty the pedestrian track full of holes and the shuttle to go boat is good to discard
I would also like to say that I chatted with pedestrian passengers who had to take the train after the boat the train left before the arrival of the boat we arrived at 12:30 pm and the next train was not before 6:30 pm it was already gone will not appeal to brittany ferries they like when they sell 1 ticket with train be in correspondence with the train and the boat
I've heard this feedback before in relation to the train departing Rosslare in advance of a ferry arriving into Rosslare Europort thus leaving a certain cohort of ferry foot passengers stranded until much later. Not sure how often this problem arises as weather can play havoc with schedules and the train cannot wait forever either to be fair. Most passengers on ferries will have come by car/coach and will disembark in the vehicle that travelled on the respective ferry vessel. That said, what is the whole point of Irish Rail providing such a service if it cannot accommodate the arrival of various ferry sailings - are they allowing sufficient leeway for even short delays. I appreciate that the rail service has to abide by it's network timetable but perhaps it needs to be examined once more according to likely demand and to take account of the latest ferry arrival times for the forthcoming 2020 tourist season. Otherwise; if the rail service timetable is not frequent, passengers will not be willing to rely on such a service which would eventually render it useless. On the bigger scheme of things, if very few passengers ever bother to take the train to/from Rosslare, then it is highly unlikely to be expanded.
As for Toilet facilities, the management company responsible for maintaining the terminal facilities really needs to get it's act together and fast if it wants to keep the ferry operators sweet as otherwise; customers will express anger and frustration and not want to travel the route again in the future which is counterproductive for Rosslare Europort. I sometimes wonder if the port ownership/management of the terminal & it's facilities is complex which results in little or no improvements over time. If this is Ireland's premier port intended to serve Europe, it really needs to modernise the ways it does things as customers will not support dirty, unhygienic & unreliable facilties & services for long.
With reference to the train services to/from Rosslare Europort, there has been talk in Ireland that this service from Dublin may be stopped at Gorey. Foot passengers may have to resort to the buses which do regularly call at the port.
Very few buses call to Rosslare Harbour these days. So which way you look at it when it comes to public transport at at the port you get screwed.
You would have to wonder if there is currently a sufficient demand for Train/Bus services to run regular services to/from Rosslare Europort if rail & bus stops are infrequent and unreliable.
I would imagine the only potential customers who may require this transport mode are "Foot Passengers" disembarking off ferry services at certain times.
If there are erratic and low numbers consistently travelling by ferry as "Foot Passengers" then this would partly explain why resources are not being allocated to develop and improve such services.
It's ironic when we should be encouraging more public transport use (i.e.) rail & bus transport rather than private vehicles as a means to mitigate against climate change but these services cannot be expected to sustain heavy losses if few passengers are willing to use them going forward.
Part of the issue with delaying a train is the impact on other services.
The train from Rosslare goes all the way up to Dundalk. It is using the same lines as the diesel commuter services, the Northern Ireland Enterprise service and the DART service.
The line from Bray to Rosslare is also a single line, so any delays have a knock on impact across all services.
Yeah, I appreciate that trains waiting for ferries experiencing delays due to various events such as tidal, stormy conditions, technical issues and so on etc; is largely problematic.
Again, it is unclear what proportion of ferry passengers who avail of Rail/Bus services at Rosslare Europort is unclear however; if the numbers are relatively low then it would probably not justify causing further inconvenience to other Rail/Bus users elsewhere on the same network as this could potentially lead to serious knock-on effects in terms of timing across the timetable schedule.
That said, I do not know if any improvements can be made to the timetable schedule to mitigate against shorter delays although; I would suspect that longer delays are a different situation altogether.
I think the new Brittany Ferries service on the "MV Kerry" which is expected to commence ex-Rosslare to Bilbao will NOT be permitting any "Foot Passengers" as the vessel used is primarily aimed at Freight & Car Passengers only. From what I understand they will effectively have X 2 arrivals from Bilbao, Spain & 2 departures from Rosslare per week starting on 28th February AND the same ship will also do one arrival from Roscoff, France & one mid-week departure from Rosslare per week from March to October. Therefore, these new Brittany Ferries sailings into Rosslare will not have any passengers who will require Rail/Bus transport as they disembark from Brittany Ferries "MV Kerry" vessel. Not sure if "Foot Passengers" are permitted on all or any of the other ferry services using Rosslare Europort these days?
Irish Ferries has it's: Rosslare to Pembroke Dock route to South Wales
Stena Line has it's: Rosslare to Fishguard route to South Wales
Stena Line has it's Rosslare to Cherbourg route to Normandy, France
Brittany Ferries will have it's new Rosslare to Roscoff route to Brittany, France (during mid-week)
Brittany Ferries will have it's new Rosslare to Bilbao route to Northern Spain
(Neptune Lines services ex-Rosslare are aimed at transporting cargo)
Lots of discussions re Rosslare Europort here over the years. Irish Rail have destroyed the port and the small amounts of investment that get bandied around (especially when politicians get involved) would hardly give the facilities a good paint job.As for the train services they were deliberately run down as it was an unprofitable route(btw trains from Dundalk do not go to Rosslare anymore). The bus connections are poor and as long there is no big demand for services they will not improve.
History of the ownership of the port has been a matter of debate and unresolved confusion for years which some believe is the reason for the lack of investment. Irish Rail were given control of the port by the UK government in 1898 while control of Fishguard was given to British Rail from who Stena inherited the port. The ownership of both ports could still effectively be in the hands of the UK government!
Quote from: ferryfan on February 04, 2020, 11:11:21 AM
(btw trains from Dundalk do not go to Rosslare anymore).
But strangely do go Rosslare Europort to Dundalk @05:35 in the morning. I happened to be on this a few weeks ago, hence I assumed it was regular.
I gather that it's not only Rosslare Europort that has been under UK ownership over the years as I recall something similar may have been the case with Dún Laoghaire which was Stena Line/Sealink-British Rail's central corridor entry/exit point into Co. Dublin for many years until Stena Line eventually vacated Dún Laoghaire for Dublin Port instead.
Dún Laoghaire was previously called "Kingstown" much the same as Cobh, County Cork was previously known as "Queenstown" for a time. The royal names associated with these places probably relates to the visits of former British monarchs. I believe Cove in Co. Cork was renamed: Queenstown for instance, to mark the visit of Queen Victoria however; after Irish independence it was decided it should revert to Cove albeit; using the Gaelic spelling (i.e.) Cobh.
Yes, I think having a complicated ownership/running of Rosslare Europort is not ideal if you want to modernise and change things for the better in a relatively short period of time.
At the end of the day, demand will have a large factor with regards to expanding Train/Bus services to/from Rosslare Harbour going forward. Unless the demand is there, you are unlikely to get more services as they need to operate on a viable basis.
Its a bit of a chicken and egg situation though as regards trains and buses. The operators will say that there's not sufficent demand from foot passengers for their services but if the timing of buses/trains dont connect with ferry arrivals the demand wont increase.
Quote from: ccs on February 04, 2020, 06:41:32 PM
Its a bit of a chicken and egg situation though as regards trains and buses. The operators will say that there's not sufficent demand from foot passengers for their services but if the timing of buses/trains dont connect with ferry arrivals the demand wont increase.
Look at what Irish Rail did with Waterford - Rosslare, 2 trains a day, timetabled at odd hours, so no demand, then they closed the route. If Irish Rail don't really want to run the services, they just drive it into the ground, claim there is no demand, then close the line.
Sounds like a subtle plan by Irish Rail although; I still wonder if there are lots of "Foot Passengers" travelling on ferries arriving into Rosslare on a daily basis. If not, then I reckon Irish Rail considers the scarce availability of it's rolling stock much better served if it can be used to meet growing demands on it's commuter and intercity rail services elsewhere on the rail network then it seems logical for them to do so.
Ferry operators, airlines etc; usually operate in a similar manner especially if and when a route is no longer viable and especially if it no longer qualifies from subsidies like PSO payments.
Irish Rail already has a chronic shortage of train carriages causing major pressure on some routes at peak times elsewhere on the network and it will take a long time before they receive order deliveries on new carriages ordered from overseas. I'm not sure if Irish Rail has much of a purpose at Rosslare Harbour nowadays if the business is no longer viable for them there. They should concentrate on the current demands and future growth areas of their business on the rail network. They cannot afford to have almost empty trains running back & forth anywhere on it's network on a regular basis even if it is to/from Rosslare Europort.
I've no idea whether Waterford to Rosslare train line had been busy before the timetable was changed to X 2 times a day at unsociable hours although; if that particular service had been profitable prior to this change why would they have downgraded it in the first place? Only logical reason would seem to me is that it was probably not sustainable before the downgrading & eventual closure of that service. Otherwise; it makes little or no sense if it had been a busy service. I'm not familiar enough with the state of the current road network from Waterford to Rosslare and the only other thing I can suggest is that road infrastructure has been improved resulting in less demand for rail in favour of road transport instead? I recall the N25 New Ross Bypass has just opened which will cut journey times between Rosslare Co. Wexford and Cork by up to 30 minutes during peak times so rail has been overtaken by road transport in certain parts of the country.
Is there any news as to upgrades and investment in the port. Money needs to be spent on waiting areas and terminal building. Seems as though all the time and money that was spent on the consultants for investment in the port has produced nothing. Also, where has the announced money that was to be spent on the port be spent or is it still waiting to be spent. Surely with another customer ferry company that is using the port that it is time that the money is invested in the port instead of the port having some facilities for its customers to use rather than nothing which is the way things are going.
From what I understand the new customer ferry offering from Brittany Ferries will mirror much of the type of service they have offered to/from Cork first operated using the "MV Connemara" and will now be used using the "MV Kerry" vessel.
By the end of March, the following arrival & departures will apply to Brittany Ferries services using Rosslare Europort:
Rosslare to Bilbao, Spain X 2 departures per week as from Friday 28th February
Bilbao to Rosslare X 2 arrivals per week
Rosslare to Roscoff, France X 1 departure per week as from Monday 23rd March
Roscoff Rosslare X 1 arrival per week
I presume there will be no "Foot Passengers" or "Cyclists" permitted which has been the case with it's Cork to Santander service using the same vessel "MV Kerry" to/from the Port of Cork's Ringaskiddy Ferryport facility in Co. Cork. A lot of the trade on the new Rosslare to Bilbao service will come from freight although; there will also be a limited tourist passenger element if passengers intend to travel by car using the ferry.
Few interior pics taken today of Rosslare Ferry Terminal building
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49605549948_57ba8a494f_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49606037221_a6451556c7_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49606039496_868f75d04c_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49605534308_b37d889c7c_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49606299207_5bb2ca0d09_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49606044651_72ac6c9cc9_b.jpg)
Definitely looks better but think there is more to be done though. Have all the areas been painted, new flooring, toilets been updated? This is before the outside areas need to be updated too. Also, don't understand why the train station is situated so far away from the terminal building when the tracks and platform still exist next to the terminal building.
They call it security.
I get that, but there are other ports that have train stations right next to the ferry terminal building such as Fishguard & Harwich
In fairness though the station at Rosslare Europort has moved it's still not very far away. Maybe 5 minutes walk away.
Yep not too far away, just wish there were trains to Waterford instead of just the bus connection if you do not have a car. Will the train station or some of the facilities have to be moved with planned new access road to the port
Overcrowding in Rosslare today. Europe, WBY and Kerry on the berths. Stena Horizon practicing social distancing and IOI wants to join the party.
What a change we are seeing at Rosslare. Could this renewed traffic be the spur for some investment in the port?
Matt
Two major infrastructure projects which will have a major effect on Rosslare Europort are currently on the cards
#1 The Access Road
A proposal to change the main port access to turn left at a new roundabout after Rochefreight and a new road coming in the back entrance to the port, removing traffic from the village.
http://rosslareeuroportaccessroad.ie/
#2 The Motorway
The final link in the Motorway from Rosslare to Oilgate, all details on link
https://oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/
And also then development of a Freezone
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexfordpeople/news/freezone-park-plan-for-rosslare-could-create-thousands-of-jobs-39325728.html
Thanks for that giftgrub! Interesting times ahead!
Quote from: ccs on July 03, 2020, 07:28:24 PM
Thanks for that giftgrub! Interesting times ahead!
No problem at all, your welcome.
And some more news announced today
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/rosslare-europort-in-line-for-30m-upgrade-from-irish-rail-1.4295390?mode=amp
Along with a massive investment in Dublin Port
https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/dublin-port-expansion-approval-ignores-brexit-realities-group-says-1009217.html
Rosslare Harbour planning submission from todays Wexford People, most significant is moving freight check in nearer the fishing harbour (left side of image) where new access road will come in, , no extra berth for Fisherman Quay, future redevelopment of original breakwater with removal of berth 4 and more areas for trailer parking.
Some more details on development at port
https://www.cilt.ie/Events/e282ac30-million-investment-at-rosslare-europort-5627
No footie gangway to berths 1&2 but retain gangway to berth 3
Berth 4 becomes merged with berth 3 to become the new extended berth 3 , that's one long berth , do I hear E Flexer by any chance .
New https://www.rosslareeuroport.ie/en-ie (https://www.rosslareeuroport.ie/en-ie) website up and running.
Good to see the rail connectivity being mentioned and the scenic nature of the line from Rosslare through Wexford and Wicklow to Dublin being accorded a plug.
Really needed is either a courtesy bus or subway to link station with terminal as the 7 to 8 minute walk is not enticing in inclement weather - fortunately the times I've walked it the worst of the weather stayed away.
Anyone know what the announcement is regarding the ports future and when it is due? Investment? New routes?
Quote from: pdnr777 on November 25, 2020, 07:28:51 PM
Anyone know what the announcement is regarding the ports future and when it is due? Investment? New routes?
I've been wondering has this anything to do with the announcement?
https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1331354962102718465?s=20
DFDS is the latest rumour sailing to Dunkerque
Rumour was subsequently confirmed...
Businesses can show 'Dunkirk spirit' by taking new direct ferry to France
Danish shipping line to run daily service to French port from RosslareDanish shipping line DFDS announced on Friday that a new daily service between Rosslare Europort and Dunkirk that will bypass Britain and serve as another transit route to Europe for Irish importers and exporters.
It will alow them to avoid expected Brexit-related border delays on the UK 'landbridge' route and shave hours off the journey for lorries landing at Cherbourg destined for important export markets for Irish companies in the Benelux countries, Germany and beyond.
Certainty of travel
The direct ferry, taking between 22 and 24 hours, will not be quicker than the landbridge, which can take 13 hours, but the certainty of travel will help traders plan the transport of time-sensitive goods and avoid unpredictable delays due to the need for EU-UK border checks from January 1st.
Arriving directly from Ireland into Dunkirk, which is some 15km from the Belgian border, the service will give Irish traders and transport companies access to major European motorway networks.
The Danish shipping company announced the new roll-on, roll-off service for road freight and passengers this morning in a statement to the Copenhagen stock exchange.
The company said that the new ferry route, bypassing the UK after Brexit, would offer trucks and their drivers 'direct and paperless transport between EU countries.'
The company said that the port of Dunkirk 'is a gateway to Ireland's top export markets - France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands - and a host of secondary markets.'
Additional capacity has been chartered to deploy three freight and passenger ferries on the route that will be 'a cost-efficient alternative to driving through the UK,' DFDS said.
Source: The Irish Times
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/businesses-can-show-dunkirk-spirit-by-taking-new-direct-ferry-to-france-1.4420716
Going to be very busy in the port in evening
DFDS timetable
https://www.dfds.com/en/freight-shipping/routes-and-schedules/rosslare-dunkirk
What ships will they be using?
Quote from: Niall on November 27, 2020, 07:57:57 PM
What ships will they be using?
No vessels confirmed yet, but Kerry (Stena Egeria) is expected to be one of the three.
Possibly Etretat and Scottish Viking?
Quote from: Niall on November 27, 2020, 09:46:54 PM
Possibly Etretat and Scottish Viking?
Not available for start on January 2nd.
Lots of rumours on the Facebook that DFDS have chartered Visby (built 2003)from Destination Gotland, while primarily a day ferry not ideally suited to a 24 hour route, (lots of reclining seat) it has 1500 lane meters and cabins for about 115 single occupants so that could be one, but could also be used elsewhere on DFDS network to allow another ferry join the route.
Ferry Nerds will be aware of a link to Ferries called Visby and Rosslare as a previous Visby (built 1980) dominated the Irish Sea many years ago as the Felicity / Stena Felicity so the next version of the Visby could end up in Rosslare also !
Would expect three Visentini style vessels would be the options they are chasing, Kerry and two near sisters would be ideal.
Former Liverpool Seaways the Pelegaos of La Meridionale could be another option as it has not been too busy since leaving DFDS.
Report from Shippax on the new DFDS route
https://www.shippax.com/en/news/dfds-to-start-six-times-weekly-dunkerque-rosslare-service-in-january.aspx
New access to Rosslare Europort to be option C.
Reported last week and missed with all the DFDS news, the new access road is going ahead, basically you will turn left at the soon to be built Rochefreight roundabout and enter the port along a new road which will bring you in on a road which is going to built on the existing back entrance.
Report from the Wexford People on attached image.
Could be the busiest Rosslare has been.
Stena Europe about to arrive
Stena Horizon
Stena Foreteller
Connemara
Optima Seaways
Kerry
Either at berth or Anchorage.
Image of Rosslare posted online by The Coffee Dock Rosslare Harbour
Quote from: giftgrub on December 31, 2020, 05:18:55 PM
Image of Rosslare posted online by The Coffee Dock Rosslare Harbour
Brilliant photo , well done .
Quote from: giftgrub on December 31, 2020, 05:18:55 PM
Image of Rosslare posted online by The Coffee Dock Rosslare Harbour
Brilliant photo.
Has the port ever had this many ships present before?
Optima Seaways has just left Rosslare at 14000 02/01/2021. 1st sailing of the new DFDS Rosslare Dunkirk route.
Cant seem to find much photos or clips on Twitter yet anyway
Quote from: jgf on January 02, 2021, 02:08:25 PM
Optima Seaways has just left Rosslare at 14000 02/01/2021. 1st sailing of the new DFDS Rosslare Dunkirk route.
Cant seem to find much photos or clips on Twitter yet anyway
She?s on the 6.01 news in a bit.
Quote from: Kieran on January 02, 2021, 06:03:03 PM
She?s on the 6.01 news in a bit.
Some nice shots of her loading and departing for Dunkerque.
Some of her on Rosslare Port's Twitter too.
https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1345381824617439232
Some more images and interviews here
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0102/1187354-ferry-rosslare-dunkirk/
Visby has just arrived at Rosslare, First commercial sailing from Dunkerque to arrive in Rosslare.
Some photos of Visby along side
https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1346130172874018816
More Rosslare news this week in the Wexford People. One comment that was mentioned is Irish Rail are responsible for the access road out of the harbour whch has been in a poor state for the last six months and combined with a 500% increase in Freight traffic is now beyond a few shovels of tar and chippings.
Business in Rosslare, a very busy January
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/brexit-delivers-record-freight-for-rosslare-on-ferries-to-mainland-eu-1.4472331?mode=amp
https://www.rte.ie/news/leinster/2021/0211/1196595-amazon-europort/ (https://www.rte.ie/news/leinster/2021/0211/1196595-amazon-europort/)
There was a short news report about this on the Six One news tonight.
Has there been any more improvements to the port lately or has all the plans and investment that was mooted in the materplan stopped due to covid?
RE improvement works
by chance I spotted that Phase 1 of the works went out to tender last Friday.
New access road and New freight entrance.
https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/188011/1/0 (https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/188011/1/0)
Interesting feature about Rosslare Harbour expansion on RTE tv.s Open For Business. Interviews with Glenn Carr and a driver from McArdles. Some great footage of Stena Europe Visby and other ferries in the port.
Thanks for the info, will check it out.
Just go to watch Open for Business (Series 2 Episode 4)recommended by CCS, some stunning footage from the Harbour and interesting information on Brexit also.
https://www.rte.ie/tv/programmes/1154668-open-for-business/
Oilgate to Rosslare - Motorway the route has been confirmed and is going ahead:
https://oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/
https://www.innovision.ie/n11n25o2rh
https://oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/N11N25-Oilgate-to-Rosslare-Harbour-Preferred-Option-Selection-Brochure-1.pdf
https://oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Preferred-Scheme-Option-PDF-Map_.pdf
https://oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/229100548-MMD-0000-XX-RP-C-0036-OSR-Executive-Summary.pdf
Some good news for Rosslare
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/rosslare-europort-sees-post-brexit-boom-in-european-freight-volumes-1.4784638
New direct ferry routes led to a near fivefold increase in European freight volumes passing through Rosslare Europort as Irish traders chose to bypass Britain and post-Brexit border checks.
Figures released by the port show that, in the first year since Brexit, more Irish importers and exporters trading with mainland Europe chose direct ferries over the once-favoured "landbridge" route through Britain to avoid the new checks between the EU and the UK.
The southeastern port, the closest Irish port to continental Europe, has been among the biggest beneficiaries of Britain's exit from the European Union.
Rosslare Europort recorded its highest ever level of activity as traders sought out hassle-free transit in and out of the country. The port has added 24 direct ferry routes since 2020, including the DFDS service that connected Rosslare with the French port of Dunkirk for the first time.
Last year 119,927 lorry freight units passed through the Co Wexford port on 30 direct ferry services with Europe – an increase of 94,477 units or 371 per cent on the previous year's figure.
Freight volumes on 56 ferry services a week with British ports fell by 34 per cent or 32,926 units, to 64,964 during the year, as fewer businesses sent goods across the landbridge.
Busy night in Rosslare, tonight with six ferries at the port.
Nordica, Horizon and Panorama at anchor
Blue Star 1, Connemara and Visborg in port.
Potential for up to 2,000 jobs under Rosslare offshore energy hub plan
https://www.rte.ie/news/leinster/2022/0422/1293586-rosslare-energy-jobs/
Fantastic news for the area, would be great if it happens and we'll deserved.
Just one thing, and not being negative but the access road down the hill is in bits, it's been patched over the last 18 months, not aware of any tarmac shortages so if they cannot get the basics sorted first, what hope for 350 mill !
giftgrub......yes the road state is very poor.....id say they would have to re-do it (if they ever get around to it) late at night when its quieter.
Very nice short film on Rosslare Harbour on this link
https://youtu.be/gjDh0cDwEZ4
Rosslare Europort makes further significant investments with the purchase of an additional 18-acre site adjacent to the port and the award of a contract for its new Port Terminal Management System
https://www.rosslareeuroport.ie/en-IE/news/Site-Purchase-and-Contract-award (https://www.rosslareeuroport.ie/en-IE/news/Site-Purchase-and-Contract-award)
Also sort of related to Rosslare:
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/funding-application-for-oylegate-to-rosslare-harbour-motorway-extension-is-confirmed-41799392.html (https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/funding-application-for-oylegate-to-rosslare-harbour-motorway-extension-is-confirmed-41799392.html)
Cabinet approves €200m expansion of Rosslare Europort
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40956938.html (https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40956938.html)
Two foreshore licence applications in the Irish Times today for the development of Berth 3 and dredging required.
https://www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/ff187-fs007224-iarnrod-eireann-rosslare-europort-berth-3-extension/
https://www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/fc21c-fs007219-iarnrod-eireann-rosslare-europort-maintenance-dredging/
Plus a revised one on the site for the wind turbine hub plans
https://www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/1ead6-fs007509-rosslare-europort-offshore-wind-hub-site-investigations/
A lot of information in the foreshore licence applications, including plans for the new berth 3 costed at around 20 million euro and the dredging budgeted at 5 million euro.
One thing (i assume not possible) but could they add another berth where the current fishing quay is ? giving extra capacity (Obviously a new area would have to be created for the fishing fleet) and reuse the ramp being removed from Berth 3. Not sure how deep they excavated that area when the pier (berth 1&2) was being built so may not have the depth.
Cannot find many details on the original build, but i did walk through the area when it was under construction (different health and Safety rules then) to see if it was possible.
https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/abs/10.1680/iwtme.1994.25832
Forgot to mention was down in Rosslare Harbour on Sunday morning (01/01/23) and the access road is really falling apart now, despite all the millions being invested and plans for the future, someone in either Irish Rail, Wexford County Council or the National Roads Authority (or all three) needs to act fast.
It was in a bad way two years ago and there are only so many shovels of tarmac you can put down with all the traffic coming in and out of the harbour to keep the surface from falling apart, it really is bad but if they did the work at night it could be done in a week.
One hopes they will do it when they have all the machinery on site at the new roundabout at Rochefreight.
I haven't had a chance to read this entire thread, but it might interest some people that the port is not owned by Irish Rail, rather by Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbour Company.
Quote from: drrummer on January 09, 2023, 02:46:32 AMI haven't had a chance to read this entire thread, but it might interest some people that the port is not owned by Irish Rail, rather by Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbour Company.
Correct, with Stena Line responsible for Fishguard and Irish Rail responsible for Rosslare.
Just read in this weeks Wexford People that De Lapps Hill is going to be resurfaced over the next two weeks which unless I misunderstood is the road leading down to the port which has been in a very bad way since well before Brexit happened, finally my alloys and tyres will be safe going to the harbour !
The first 200m of your arrival into Ireland at Rosslare is probably the worst road surface in the country. Dublin port from the ferries to the port exit is a mess too, with bad signage and potholes everywhere.
The hill down into the harbour has not been touched yet, surface is still shocking, I obviously got that wrong, from the roundabout in the harbour to the top of the hill needs to be done, the block paving is gone into big dips and the road surface is very poor at the top.
However in good news the roundabout at Roche Freight is now in use and in the final stages of being surfaced by the look of it, with surface of the existing roads ground down and kerbs going in.
Some more good news for Rosslare
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0208/1355510-freight-volumes-through-rosslare-up-53-in-two-years/
Great news, the hill down to Rosslare port has been repaired, some freshly laid tarmac has been put down, including the block paved area by the station, all now looking good.
Will need a complete surfacing at some stage but this is a vast improvement, well done.
great cartoon video released as to port plan.
Quote from: IFPete on February 23, 2023, 06:05:42 PMgreat cartoon video released as to port plan.
Just viewed it...someone doesn't know the difference between UK and GB
Very interesting article in this weeks Wexford People, basically calling on Irish Rail to get the finger out and start developing the port, two years into Brexit and approaching seven years since David Cameron's moment of madness, what has happened in Rosslare Port.
CCD427EA-7040-4117-B612-C03D0556DCD6.png
Work is ongoing at Rosslare.
The OPW is seeking two resident engineers for the Rosslare Europort Terminal 7 & Enabling Works.
Few pics I took on Monday of the ongoing expansion work at Rosslare port
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53184531149_b4e189fb21_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183756237_4ed5db28e8_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183756242_585e75c193_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53184466356_f9b355530e_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53183756227_04dde7c4e6_c.jpg)
Rosslare Europort named European Ferry Port of the Year at the 2023 European Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmo, Sweden.
(https://m.psecn.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00001r9GNDCLL3w/s/500/I00001r9GNDCLL3w.jpg)
https://www.southeastradio.ie/rosslare-europort-named-ferry-port-of-the-year/ (https://www.southeastradio.ie/rosslare-europort-named-ferry-port-of-the-year/)
https://afloat.ie/port-news/rosslare-europort/item/60604-rosslare-europort-is-named-ferry-port-of-the-year-at-european-ferry-shipping-summit (https://afloat.ie/port-news/rosslare-europort/item/60604-rosslare-europort-is-named-ferry-port-of-the-year-at-european-ferry-shipping-summit)
Feature on Rosslare Europort and on Nolan Transport on RTE Nationwide on Wednesday evening at 7pm
WEDNESDAY 11TH OCTOBER
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
ROSSLARE EUROPORT PROGRAMME
On this evening's programme we see how Brexit has benefited the Southeast Port of Rosslare in County Wexford. We see how busy it has become and we hear of the plans to expand and develop the harbour facilities which have seen huge growth in recent times. Plus, we meet a Wexford family whose transport business is expanding to ship and store goods for distribution around Europe.
Website: www.rosslareeuroport.ie
New access road for Rosslare finally got the go ahead
https://wexfordlocal.com/2023/10/09/e30m-new-access-road-to-rosslare-europort/
Rte Nationwide programme available to view online for 30 days
https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI0000001172? (https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI0000001172?)
Some great footage including some on board Stena Vision and an interview with her captain. Worth a look!
Quote from: ccs on October 11, 2023, 07:59:23 PMRte Nationwide programme available to view online for 30 days
https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI0000001172? (https://www.rte.ie/player/series/nationwide/SI0000001172?)
Some great footage including some on board Stena Vision and an interview with her captain. Worth a look!
Great show, thanks for sharing this information
Seems to have been some strange delays at Rosslare over the weekend,
On Saturday night, Horizon and Cotentin seemed to stay in port far longer then normal, Oscar Wilde docked when Finnpulp left despite the Nordica already being outside the port, Nordica docked when Horizon left.
Cotentin arrived 13.52 departed 00.16
Horizon arrived 12.06 departed 21.27
Finnpulp arrived 04.02 departed 20.13
Nordica arrived 21.42 departed 00.22 (having left Fishguard at 13.58)
Oscar Wilde arrived 20.21 departed 00.25 (having left Pembroke at 15.56)
Weather in Rosslare on Saturday was fine and unlikely to be responsible for any delays.
Oscar Wilde was already running late with a late departure from Rosslare in the morning about 90 minutes late, Nordica left about 30 minutes late.
Celadine has been off the coast of Wexford all day today (Sunday) seemingly unable to dock with a load of cars, with winds higher in area today.
Looks like the Offshore Renewable Energy hub is going ahead in Rosslare Harbour.
One change that I have noticed from the original proposal is provision for a 240 metre RoRo berth, visible on image below taken from second link, it is not on page 17 of the third link below.
Hopefully they will have designed this to enable it to be used for regular operations if another berth is unavailable for any reason, would assume it will not be used 24/7 for deliveries to the hub.
https://wexfordlocal.com/2023/12/12/major-milestones-at-rosslare-europort/
https://www.southeastradio.ie/rosslare-europort-and-esb-join-forces-on-offshore-wind-projects/
https://www.irishrail.ie/Admin/IrishRail/media/Content/projects-and-investments/brochure_FINAL.pdf
Just spotted this which confirms they are building an additional 240m roro berth in the ORE Hub in Rosslare Harbour.
One would hope they have designed access to this berth to allow use for day to day operations if required, would be very handy if vessels delayed etc, also might this be where the "Moystn Linkspan" will end up if rumours that it has been sold are to be believed.
https://www.gdgeo.com/news/gdg-and-nicholas-odwyer-awarded-design-contract-for-offshore-renewable-energy-hub-at-rosslare-europort/
Is the actually Stena-berth big enough for 240m ?
The Kiel-, Harwich- and Karlskrona-ferries are all 240m.
My speculation is that 1 or 2 of them will replace any day in future the Horizon and Vision in Rosslare.
Quote from: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 05, 2024, 08:07:09 PMIs the actually Stena-berth big enough for 240m ?
The Kiel-, Harwich- and Karlskrona-ferries are all 240m.
My speculation is that 1 or 2 of them will replace any day in future the Horizon and Vision in Rosslare.
No berth is used exclusively by any operator at the port, they allocate based on demand.
Berth 3 which is the original berth on the outer breakwater will be 330m long dredged to 7.6 metres deep, when finished as it will incorporate berth 4 previously used by the Stena Lynx, back in the fast craft days.
Berth 1 & 2 are the same length and can take anything currently using the port and with an additional 240 metres available if required would add a lot of flexibility to port operations.
Some pics from today of the ongoing development work
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53461757681_34e0438b18_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53461775386_5a6450e3d9_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53462089064_94eb2e97ed_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53462088949_915b1e7e7a_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53460855482_d2e4890131_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53461907598_70305e95b0_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53461775226_3e981a72ee_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53461775421_114c7af429_c.jpg)
The last few hundred meters of the railway line is gone for good it seems. I always hoped it may return one day.
I had never noticed all the previous piecemeal construction at the port - there's lots of space badly used.
Quote from: jpwoodh on January 14, 2024, 07:18:33 AMthere's lots of space badly used.
This is sadly the case in a lot of ferry-ports generally... .
The many pictures here from 13.jan 9:47 are showing mostly / mainly the area which is marked in the pdf-plan as "trailer-export" ?
Why they are not using the "theoretic ferry-berth" directly beside also ?
So between "trailer-export" and ferry-berth 1.
Is there anything better / newer / bigger planned for car-, motorhome-, Caravan-, tourist-coach, motorbike-, foot-passengers also ?
Or are the improvements only for freight ?
The non freight vehicle checkin is good at Rosslare - and needs nothing done to it.
Perhaps some better signage to the terminal for passengers when waiting.