The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales has today (7 January) announced a new multi
stakeholder task force to help deliver a new strategy for the
future of Holyhead Port.
The task force will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport
and North Wales, alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy
and Planning, . The group will work with the
Irish Minister of State for Transport, James Lawless, the UK
Government and other key players in the Welsh & Irish ports
and ferry industry to ensure the port meets the future needs of
both nations.
The announcement follows the temporary closure of the port
following damage to its berthing infrastructure inflicted by
Storm Darragh. Stena Ferries, which operate the Port, have
indicated that remedial work is currently on schedule for a
partial reopening on 16 January.
Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, said:
” The potential impacts of the closure over the Festive period on
freight and passenger movements were very significant, with
time-sensitive seasonal goods needing to reach market and people
travelling home to their families for Christmas. We worked
tirelessly with the Irish Government, the UK Government, Welsh
ports, ferry companies and others to secure alternative routes
for goods and people to get where they needed to go and I want to
thank everyone for their efforts.
“We have always recognised the strategic significance of
Holyhead, by our support for the Anglesey Freeport and our
support to ensure that the port's breakwater can be maintained so
that the port can remain usable for many decades to come. I am
also grateful for the recent assurance from Stena Ports that they
remain committed to Holyhead's long-term future. But I think the
time is now right for us to re-evaluate what Holyhead needs from
all of its stakeholders over the longer term, to not just
survive, but to thrive.
“I want the task force I am announcing today to consider the
resilience of sea connectivity between Wales and Ireland more
generally, so that these critical transport links can better
withstand the challenges we expect from climate-driven changes in
severe weather patterns and other hazards and threats. It is
crucial we work together so we can secure a successful future for
the Port of Holyhead.”
The Cabinet Secretary will announce further details of this task
force shortly but expects to invite participation from all of the
major players in the Welsh & Irish ports and ferry industry,
local authorities, regional business representatives, logistics
bodies and surface transport operators.
