The Port of Galway has been made a part of a large scale revised EU transport infrastructure funding programme.
The Port has been added to the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network, which has been revised at Brussels this week.
The TEN-T Network policy addresses the implementation and development of a Europe-wide network of railway lines, roads, inland waterways, maritime shipping routes, ports, airports and railroad terminals.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton welcomed the inclusion of Galway in the revised plans, citing the port’s importance to developing offshore renewable energy for Ireland.
Speaking on Tuesday, she said “Today is an important milestone in the ongoing development of the EU’s transport network.”
“The draft Regulation discussed at Transport Council this morning will, when adopted, improve connectivity across the EU for both passengers and freight.”
“Importantly, it aligns transport policy to the European Green Deal by providing the means of transitioning to green, clean and smarter mobility.”
“I am particularly pleased that the Port of Galway has been added to the TEN-T network, given the important role it can play in developing renewable energy projects and its ambitious plans in this regard.”
The European Commission’s proposal to revise the Regulation was published in December 2021 and aimed to align the development of the TEN-T network with EU climate goals, among other ambitions.
The draft Regulation sets out an EU-wide network of rail, inland waterways, shipping routes, roads, ports, airports, and freight terminals as well as the requirements for infrastructure on this network.
A key addition to the draft Regulation is the recognition of the synergies between transport and energy.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that this will support the development of ports around the country, making them critical hubs for offshore wind particularly, and ensuring that they are connected on to key infrastructure and population centres.
“The important role that ports have to play in supporting the roll-out of offshore renewable energy is now recognised in the Regulation.”
“This means that major Irish ports can become key energy hubs, not just for the operation and maintenance of off-shore wind farms, but as locations where the energy from those farms will come onshore.”
“This means that ports can also become critical nodal locations for high energy users, bringing modern industries to where the energy is.”
