The Port of Waterford has submitted its application to develop a new Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) terminal

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Port of Waterford has lodged a direct planning application with An Coimisiún Pleanála for its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Capable Terminal at Belview, County Kilkenny.

The Port of Waterford — Ireland’s oldest port — has reached a landmark moment with the submission of its application to develop a new Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) terminal. The move underscores Waterford’s ambition to play a central role in Ireland’s renewable energy future.

This application builds on the recent granting of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), which provides the legal foundation to progress new infrastructure. Securing the MAC was a pivotal step in advancing the South East as a hub for offshore wind, and it now enables the Port to pursue its vision of delivering a purpose-built ORE terminal.

The scale of the proposed project reflects both immediate and long-term industry needs. Key features include a 250-metre extension to the existing Belview wharves, significant land reclamation, new operator support facilities with workshops and warehouses, berthing pontoons, and two three-storey office and staff buildings for ORE operators. The plans also include a replacement substation, underground services, solar PV arrays to generate on-site renewable power, and a 1.8-hectare biodiversity enhancement area.

Commenting on the application, Port of Waterford CEO David Sinnott said:

This is a landmark day for the Port. Our application is about more than infrastructure — it’s about creating jobs, driving regional growth, and helping Ireland meet its 2030 climate targets. Waterford has been a maritime gateway for over a thousand years, and now we are ready to lead Ireland into its offshore renewable future.

This investment will transform the Port’s capacity to support large-scale offshore wind projects, positioning Waterford as a strategic staging ground for developments such as the proposed Tonn Nua Offshore Wind Farm and future projects across the Celtic Sea. With Ireland targeting 7 GW of offshore wind by 2030, the ORE Capable Terminal is designed to help deliver on that goal while driving a just transition to a low-carbon economy in the South East and beyond.

The economic impact is equally significant. In addition to construction and operational benefits, the terminal represents a long-term investment in sustainable growth, creating high-quality jobs across maritime services, engineering, logistics, and green technology. It will also provide new opportunities for SMEs and local suppliers to integrate into the offshore wind supply chain.