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£40m investment will help refurbish the 150-year-old
Holyhead Breakwater, which is gradually being eroded by the
Irish Sea.
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The superstructure – the longest in the UK - provides
essential protection to the Port of Holyhead which protects the
infrastructure and allows ships to dock safely.
The First Minister has today announced a £40m
funding package from the Welsh Government to allow the
refurbishment of the Holyhead Breakwater and help safeguard
Holyhead Port’s long-term future.
The 2.4km long Victorian breakwater provides essential protection
to Holyhead Port. Without it, the wave conditions would be too
severe for the operation of ferries and could result in the loss
of service and ultimately the closure of the Port. The breakwater
also protects several businesses and premises from flooding.
The masonry breakwater, built approximately 150 years ago, is
founded on a rubble mound built on the seabed. Since its
construction it has gradually been eroded by the Irish Sea. The
stability of the breakwater is now under threat, with an
increasing probability of a breach in the structure occurring
during storm conditions.
Holyhead is the busiest UK port for accompanied roll-on/roll-off
freight traffic for Irish Sea ports. It is a critical link
between the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the EU, and a key
employer on Anglesey, supporting around 700 local jobs.
The £40m package, made up of a £20m loan and a £20m grant, will
go towards the estimated £110m cost of refurbishing the
Breakwater.
First Minister said:
“Holyhead Port is an important asset to North Wales. This £40m
investment in the breakwater will help ensure the port’s future
and protect jobs.
“The port is of vital strategic importance. It plays a crucial
role in the delivery of economic prosperity for the region and is
also a key part of our transport infrastructure.
“Today’s announcement is a positive development for Ynys Mon and
demonstrates the Welsh Government’s firm commitment to the
island.”
Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line Ports Ltd,
which operates the Port of Holyhead, said:
“We welcome the investment support from the Welsh Government, in
addition to the sum pledged by the UK Government earlier this
year. This support contributes significantly to the planned
£100m+ investment in the breakwater, which will ensure a
long-term and robust refurbishment of this vital piece of
infrastructure.
“As the second busiest roll on/roll off port in the UK, Holyhead
Port is a key transport link between the UK, Ireland and the rest
of Europe moving millions of tonnes of goods and transporting
thousands of passengers each year.
“Looking to the future of the port and wider Anglesey, we are
seeking to build with our partners Anglesey County Council on the
award of Anglesey Freeport status to boost industry and
investment in the region, which will serve to support the local
and North Wales Economy. The refurbishment of the breakwater and
securing the protection of the Port and surrounding area is
crucial to that long-term plan and we’re grateful that the Welsh
and UK Governments have recognised its importance.”
Economy Minister, said:
“I very much hope that by resolving the breakwater issue we are
giving confidence to the private sector to invest in the port and
surrounding area, which will open up exciting new opportunities.
“Both the Welsh and UK Governments saw the ambition and promise
in the Ynys Mon Freeport bid and agreed for it to proceed to the
next stage. I look forward to the port outlining in its business
case how the Freeport will play a key role in supporting the
development of the new green industries of the future.
“I expect the Freeport to not only help create thousands of new
jobs on Anglesey and in North Wales, but also support the Welsh
Government’s ambitious Net Zero agenda.”
