Welsh secretary for transport delivers Holyhead Port strategy

The cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales Ken States has announced his strategy for the future of Holyhead Port through a multi-stakeholder task force to be led by himself and Rebecca Evans, the cabinet secretary for economy, energy, and planning. In order for the port to meet national and local needs, the group is to collaborate with the Irish ministers for transport as well as the UK government.

This announcement follows the temporary closure of the port due to damage caused by Storm Darragh. Remedial work should result in a partial reopening on the 16th January, according to the port’s operators, Stena Ferries.

Cabinet secretary for North Wales and transport, Ken Skates 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 work 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 connectively between Wales and Ireland more generally, so that these critical transport links can better withstand the challenges we expect from climate-driven changes ini 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.”