All sailings between north Wales and Ireland have been cancelled because of emergency repairs to fix damage caused by Storm Darragh. There are concerns this could have a knock on effect to Christmas presents being delivered as it is a major port.
Traffic monitors are showing that all sailings on Irish Ferries and Stena Line are cancelled between Holyhead and Dublin, and there are warnings that it could stay shut until at least Thursday, December 19.
It has been hoped that the port would reopen on Friday, but it is set to take longer to fix the damage caused by the storm that brought winds of 93mph to parts of Wales. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
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Irish Ferries has said that they are working with customers to help them make alternative arrangements. The president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Ger Hyland, told BBC Wales there were concerns about getting some last-minute goods and Christmas produce across.
He said: “We’re really going to struggle to get goods delivered to both the high street and for internet shopping. It is my reckoning that it’s not going to be delivered in time.”
There are also on Stena Line services between Fishguard and Rosslare due to the “knock on” effects of the storm, and all train services between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock are suspended due to poor rail conditions.
A major road in Gwynedd also remains shut due to “unstable ground” and could be closed for days following the storm. Investigations are being carried out on a stretch of the A487, from Minffordd to Corris Uchaf, which was shut to traffic on Wednesday, with a diversion of around 40 miles in place.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “A full carriageway closure has been put in place on the A487 between Minffordd and Corris for safety reasons due to unstable ground conditions above the trunk road, following Storm Darragh. Our agents (NMWTRA) are working to rectify the problem as soon possible. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to motorists and updates will follow via Traffic Wales website/social media.”