Waterford Port, Ireland’s oldest port, has submitted a direct planning application to the Renewable Energy Commission (ERP) for its proposed offshore renewable terminal at Belview, County Kilkenny.

The new terminal is designed to support large-scale renewable energy projects in the Celtic Sea, including the proposed Tonn Nua Offshore Wind Farm and future developments across the region.

According to information shared by Waterford Port, the application follows the recent granting of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The MAC provides the legal foundation for the Port to seek permission for the new infrastructure and represents a crucial milestone in establishing the southeast as a hub for offshore wind energy. With this approval, Waterford Port can now move forward with its vision to build a dedicated Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE)-capable terminal.

The scale of the proposed development reflects both the immediate and long-term needs of the offshore renewables sector. A central element of the project is the 250-meter extension of the existing quays at Belview. The application also includes extensive land reclamation, new support facilities such as workshops and warehouses, floating pontoons, and two separate three-story office buildings for ORE operators and staff. Additional features include a replacement electrical substation, underground utilities, rooftop solar PV panels to generate on-site renewable energy, and a 1.8-hectare area dedicated to biodiversity enhancement.

Ireland has set a national target to deliver 7 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. The ORE-capable terminal in Waterford is designed to help achieve—and exceed—this goal, positioning the Port not only as a key logistical gateway but also as a leader in the just transition to a low-carbon economy for both the southeast and the wider country.

The economic potential of the project is equally significant. Beyond the immediate benefits of construction and operation, the terminal represents a long-term investment in sustainable business and regional prosperity. It is expected to generate high-quality jobs in maritime operations, engineering, logistics, and green technologies, while also creating opportunities for SMEs and local suppliers to integrate into the offshore wind supply chain.

Speaking about the application, David Sinnott, CEO of Waterford Port, said taht “this is a historic day for Waterford Port. Our application goes beyond new infrastructure: it is about creating employment, driving growth in the southeast, and helping Ireland meet its climate targets for 2030. Waterford has been a maritime gateway for more than a thousand years, and now we are ready to guide Ireland into its offshore renewables future.”