N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road

Statutory Planning PROCESSES update - Wednesday 17th August 2022

The N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road Scheme has been developed in accordance with TII Project Management Guidelines Phase 3 (Design & Environmental Evaluation), culminating with the preparation of the design and environmental evaluation of the preferred option which has been developed to a sufficient level of detail to consider the potential environmental impacts and to confirm the extent of lands required. The project has now commenced Phase 4 (Statutory Processes). 

A planning application for the proposed scheme was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on the 5th of  July 2022, and the planning application was submitted under Section 177AE of the Planning & Development Act.

An application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of the lands required for the scheme was also submitted to An Bord Pleanála at the same time as the Section 177AE planning application.

A copy of the Section 177AE planning application and CPO will be available for inspection free of charge between Tuesday 5th of July 2022 and Friday 19th of August 2022 in County Hall, Wexford and on the Council’s online consultation portal

https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ 

A newsletter was prepared outlining the Statutory Planning Process for the N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road Scheme and is now available for download through the link below. The newsletter can also be accessed on the Latest News and Publications Page.

Statutory Planning Process Newsletter

Introduction

Rosslare Europort is a key strategic transport link between Ireland and both the European mainland and the United Kingdom. Wexford County Council is proposing to provide improved access to Rosslare Europort from the N25 National Primary Road to ensure and secure the sustainability and competitiveness of this key transport link.

The main objectives of the project are as follows:

  • To improve accessibility and connectivity to Rosslare Europort, secure the sustainability of access to the Port and mitigate the risks from current constraints and limitations of the existing access.
  • Improve road safety and the local environment in the village of Rosslare Harbour
  • To promote balance regional development by improving access to the south-east and Rosslare Europort

 

Tramore House Regional Design Office are managing the project with Wexford County Council and Mott MacDonald Ireland have been appointed to advance the project through the planning and design process. The scheme will be developed in stages, with opportunities for the public to take part in the decision-making as the scheme develops.

Project Background

The project is compatible with national, regional and local policies and plans and meets the specific objective of the Wexford County Development Plan to provide improved access to Rosslare Europort. Wexford County Council previously developed a preliminary scheme for a new offline Port Access Road to remove port traffic from the village of Rosslare Harbour. The old scheme layout consisted of approximately 1.5km of road carriageway, three roundabouts, a railway crossing and associated local road works. The scheme did not proceed through the planning process, but the corridor is currently incorporated into the County Development Plan as part of the selected route corridor for the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour major road project. This option will be included in the Option Selection Process along with a do-minimum option and any other feasible online and offline options. 

Timeline of project

Wexford County Council was allocated funding in 2020 to advance planning and design work on the project. During 2020 various studies and public consultation exercises were undertaken to confirm the preferred scheme option.  In 2022 the design and environmental assessment of the proposed scheme was completed, and the project has now proceeded through to Phase 4 – Statutory Planning Process. 

The project is still at an early stage of development, and it is not therefore possible at this time to indicate a likely timeframe for construction of the project which will be dependent upon the outcome of the statutory planning approval process and the securing of the necessary funding. Progress on the project is subject to ongoing funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

An indicative timeline for major milestones in the development of the planning and design of the project are summarised below. Timelines are subject to relevant funding and approvals.