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Holyhead Port partially reopened on Thursday, with the usual number of services expected to operate
The UK’s second busiest port is resuming full services more than a month after being completely closed due to damage caused by Storm Darragh.
Two berths at Holyhead, which links north Wales to Dublin, were damaged on December 7, affecting thousands of travelers and parcel deliveries over Christmas, as well as businesses in the town.
One of these berths reopened on Thursday, meaning that the port’s owners, Stena Line and Irish Ferries, will each have to operate their four regular daily services from a single berth, rather than two usual ones.
The Welsh Government said it would review the results of an investigation before deciding on next steps.
A provisional timetable has been established for the partial reopening while the second berth is repaired.
But Holyhead traders said they had seen a considerable drop in footfall and revenue since the closure of the port, which sees two million passengers a year and 1,200 trucks and trailers every day.
“We don’t have as many footfall from Ireland anymore and it doesn’t seem like people in the shops are spending their money,” Anglesey councilor Jeff Evans said.
“It’s good that Stena is tackling the problem, but it is only partially reopening. The sooner it reopens normally, the better. We can never have this happen again.”
Jeff Evans says: ‘We can never let this happen again’
Claudia Howard, owner of the Boathouse Hotel, said she had suffered a “huge blow”.
“We’ve had 147 canceled bookings. If you take an average of £100 per night, that’s £14,700,” she said.
“On top of that you have their expenses for the bar, breakfast or if they had an evening meal, so actually we lost a lot more than that.
“We also do coach parties and they go to Ireland and have had to cancel as well.”
She said the company also had to pay for roof damage caused by the storm itself.
“It’s good to know they (the ferries) will be moving again so business will pick up. The only worry is if there are four ferries there will be less reason for people to stay in Holyhead.
“But at least they’re going, and that’s a relief.”
She said the cancellations also caused problems on supply chains, such as the linen companies that supply the hotel.
Claudia Howard says her hotel has lost thousands since Holyhead port closed
Anglesey Council leader Gary Pritchard said there should be some sort of “relief fund” to help businesses.
“We are led to believe that the Irish Government has considered, or has already put in place, a relief fund – certainly for the road transport sector in Ireland.
“What we are asking for is something similar for businesses that have been affected in Holyhead.”
The Welsh Government said: “Anglesey Council is currently gathering evidence on the potential impact of the closure, and a survey is available on its website for businesses to respond to.
“We will carefully review this evidence before deciding on next steps.”
In a statement, the Irish Government described the expected resumption of ferry services between Holyhead and Dublin as very positive news for passengers, freight operators and all stakeholders in the port and maritime sector.
He said: “The impact and response to the closure of Holyhead Port over the Christmas period will be reviewed.”
