Irish Defence Forces applies to import ammunition through the Port of New Ross

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The Irish Defence Forces have submitted an application to import munitions through The Port of New Ross. As a result, Wexford County Council (WCC) has drafted a new set of explosives bye-laws for the port which will allow the “importation of certain specified classes of explosive materials in certain conditions”.

Available for public consultation in WCC’s offices until August 13, if the bye-laws are passed importation would be “under strict supervision with a primary purpose of providing munitions for the Defence Force exercises”.

Scheduled to come into effect in November of this year, the new bye-laws require the approval of Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’ Callaghan TD, and state that “no explosives shall be deposited in any shed, warehouse, building or other place without the express permission of the Harbour Master and only where it is necessary for safety or security reasons and these explosives shall be moved out of the area controlled by New Ross Port as soon as is practicable”.

In addition, an explosives officer shall be appointed before any explosives are allowed to enter the harbour.

Councillor John Fleming discussed the practicalities of this new venture at the July meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) asking whether an “explosive zone” was already in existence at the port.

Specifying that such zones were normal in ports and were usually used to store fertiliser and similar materials, Cllr Fleming said this was an important element in any new bye-laws.

In response, environmental engineer Melissa Goff said she would consult the Harbour Master and return with further information regarding this issue.

Cathaoirleach of the NRMD, Cllr John Dwyer, had cause to ask why the port was being considered for such a use.

“This is live ammunition that will be imported by the defence forces through New Ross, is there that much of a need for munitions that the port is being considered?” he asked.

“The Department of Defence has expressed an interest in utilising the port to import munitions and cargo,” replied Ms Goff. “That’s where the conversations with the Harbour Master would have originated, it gives the port the opportunity to handles this business if we have the bye-laws in place.”