Holyhead Port Partially Reopens After Storm Damage
Irish Ferries, Stena Line, and the operators of Holyhead Port have all confirmed that Holyhead port is set to partially reopen as planned on Thursday. This comes after one of the two jetties at the port was damaged during Storm Darragh in early December. The damaged jetty has now been brought back into service, allowing for the resumption of ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead.
Road Hauliers Express Concerns Over Trade Disruption
Despite the partial reopening of the port, road hauliers have raised concerns about the impact on trade across the Irish Sea. With 60% of trade using the Dublin Holyhead route now dependent on a single jetty, an estimated €500 million in trade between Ireland and Britain hangs in the balance. Ger Hyland of the Irish Road Haulage Association emphasized the critical nature of the situation, urging the government to invest in Holyhead or consider alternative nearby ports to safeguard vital supply chains.
Calls for Government Intervention and Stakeholder Involvement
Mr. Hyland’s plea for government intervention extends beyond immediate infrastructure concerns. He has called for the establishment of a stakeholders’ group to assess the situation and provide estimates of likely costs for necessary investments. Additionally, road hauliers are seeking compensation for the significant losses incurred during the port’s closure.
Ferry Companies Adjust Schedules Amidst Uncertainty
Stena Line and Irish Ferries have both made adjustments to their schedules in light of the port’s partial reopening. Stena Line plans to operate four daily sailings from Holyhead, with potential updates to the schedule based on the timeline for a return to full operation at the port. Irish Ferries is also set to resume services to Holyhead on Thursday, with detailed timetables available on their website.
The reopening of Holyhead port represents a crucial step towards restoring vital trade connections between Ireland and Britain. As stakeholders navigate the challenges posed by the port’s partial closure, the need for government support and collaborative solutions remains paramount to ensure the smooth functioning of essential supply chains.
