One of Wales’ biggest ports will remain closed due to extensive damage following a storm. The Welsh Government has confirmed that the Port of Holyhead in Anglesey will be closed until at least Thursday, December 19.
The port has been closed since last weekend due to damage to its critical berthing infrastructure, which was inflicted by Storm Darragh. The storm, which led the Met Office to issue a red “danger to life” warning, caused damage on many Welsh infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands of properties in Wales without power. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
According to the Welsh Government, it became apparent this week that the damage following the storm was “more extensive than first thought” and may take some time to repair. Following a meeting with the leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council on Thursday, December 12, the Welsh Government has confirmed that it will be closed for almost a week.
READ MORE: She had been diagnosed with cancer when her ‘bully partner’ attacked her and told her what to eat and wear
READ MORE: Ex-teacher and youth club chairman exposed as ‘dangerous paedophile’ who preys on children
In a written statement issued on Saturday, December 14, the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales Ken Skates MS said: “I am acutely aware of the significant impacts that the continued closure is having on logistics movements between Wales and the Republic of Ireland, especially given the high seasonal demand for timely deliveries of goods.
“I understand that freight bound for the Republic of Ireland is diverting temporarily to other ports on the West coast of the UK. I am grateful for the flexibility and resilience demonstrated once again by our logistics sector in response to a disruptive event.
“However, it is imperative that the Port of Holyhead restores its operational capability at the earliest possible opportunity. I understand that the Port is focusing on restoring one of its berths with an amended timetable, as a means to get ferry capacity reinstated as quickly as possible.
“Safety must remain a priority, so the Port will only re-start services when properly ready to do so, but I know that the team at the Port are working as hard as they can to resume operations at the earliest possible opportunity. The team at the Port recognise, as I do, the importance of providing reliable, up-to-date information to the public and logistics sector as work to restore services progresses.”
According to the Welsh Government, their officials are maintaining a “close contact” with stakeholders affected by the closure, as well as with Irish and the UK governments, and said they will continue to monitor the situation. Ken Skates MS has also confirmed he will be meeting with the port’s leadership team and local stakeholders on Wednesday, December 18, for further updates on its restoration.