Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
In light of Tuesday’s statement by Holyhead Port Authority, a Joint Communique from the Welsh Government and the Irish Government was issued.
Having received clarity from Stena that the Port of Holyhead will not reopen until 15 January at the earliest, following the damage sustained during Storm Darragh, the Welsh Government and our partners are urgently pressing ahead with contingency plans to minimise the impact on individuals and businesses.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans and I are working in close cooperation with the Irish Government and other partners to ensure that freight and people can be transported as efficiently as possible across the Irish Sea.
First and foremost, we are working to try and resolve capacity constraints at alternative ports for freight and passengers. Cabinet Ministers, along with officials, are in ongoing discussions with the commercial ferry and port operators regarding the steps they are taking to mitigate the situation as swiftly as possible to meet demand.
During recent meetings with Stena and Irish ferries, alongside the port operators I have been informed that as a result of action taken to date, freight capacity has increased significantly across alternative ports and is anticipated to meet demand. Whilst this news is encouraging, it remains imperative that private sector port operators and the UK Government, working alongside the Welsh and Irish Governments, continue to leave no stone unturned in urgently identifying alternative solutions for businesses and individuals.
Every effort is being made to minimise the traffic impacts of these urgent but necessary arrangements. Welsh Government officials have established a working group involving Transport for Wales and relevant local authorities to ensure that the current increase in freight and anticipated increase in foot passengers over the coming days is handled as effectively as possible. In the meantime, I am grateful to those communities affected for their patience and understanding.
I want to assure the individuals and businesses impacted that we understand the difficulties caused by the issues in Holyhead, and alongside our partners we are doing everything we can to ensure that you are able to travel to Ireland, particularly as we head into the festive period.
I will provide you with regular updates as this matter progresses.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.