Increased traffic to both ferry terminals in Pembrokeshire is currently being experienced as a result of the temporary closure of Holyhead Port after its Storm Darragh damage.
Stena Line is currently operating a Fishguard to Dublin service with the Stena Adventurer – the largest-ever ferry to sail from the north county port.
And in Pembroke Dock, Irish Ferries has temporarily replaced the Isle of Innisfree ferry with the larger James Joyce on its Rosslare route.
The James Joyce is no stranger to the route, having previously sailed it earlier this year under its current name as well as when it was known as the Oscar Wilde
Irish Ferries is telling passengers: “Due to the ongoing closure of Holyhead port, Irish Ferries has cancelled all ferry sailings on the Dublin-Holyhead route to end Thursday 19 December, and are deploying ships on alternative routes to boost capacity.
More space
“We are currently contacting customers booked to travel on the route to outline options available to them, including sailing on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, where we have added more space.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank customers for their patience as we work through this disruption.”
“Ongoing increased traffic”
Pembroke Dock ferry terminal is owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven, whose chief executive, Tom Sawyer, said: “We are expecting to see ongoing increased traffic to Pembroke Dock ferry terminal.
“To manage traffic in the area, we have opened up different areas of the port to reduce the number of vehicles queueing at the port entrance.
Longer-term parking
“We have also been liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council emergency planning team to identify other areas for longer term parking, if needed, so that traffic around Pembroke Dock is managed as effectively as possible.
“Our priority is to ensure the safe and effective operation of all traffic on the Milford Haven Waterway.
“We’d like to thank everyone, but particularly those living in and around the Pembroke Dock area, for their understanding and support, particularly if they have been impacted by these delays.
“We will endeavour to take all actions possible to keep the area as uncongested as possible.”