Holyhead: “Unprecedented efforts” being made to get people home to Ireland before Christmas

“Unprecedented efforts” are being made to get people home to Ireland before Christmas following the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said today.

The closure of Holyhead Port, following damage caused by Storm Darragh, has left thousands of passengers and businesses facing significant travel disruption during the festive season.

The port, one of the busiest ferry terminals in the UK, will remain shut until at least 15 January 2025, with all ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead currently cancelled.

High winds and severe weather conditions, including gusts of up to 70 mph, have compounded travel difficulties across the UK and Ireland over the weekend.

The weekend’s storm has left ferry companies scrambling to arrange alternative routes to ensure passengers and goods reach their destinations before Christmas.

Welsh Government Transport Secretary Ken Skates acknowledged the huge challenges caused by the port’s closure but commended the response by ferry operators.

“Conditions have been incredibly challenging across the UK, but additional sailings from Wales and the Mersey area have taken place, helping people and goods get to Ireland for Christmas. These sailings will continue,” he said.

Mr Skates urged travellers to confirm arrangements with their ferry companies, adding: “This is a challenge we have never faced before, but we’ll continue to work together with the UK and Irish governments to rescue the hopes and plans of people and businesses.

“We will also work with the owners of Holyhead Port to get the facility back open as soon as possible, as it is a massively important facility for Ireland and the UK.”

Contingency plans are in place to manage disruption during the New Year period, according to the Welsh Government.

Travel chaos during Christmas season

The closure of Holyhead, which serves as a critical link between Wales and Ireland, has caused frustration among passengers and businesses reliant on the route.

Alternative sailings via ports in Wales and the Mersey area have been organised, but high winds have led to some cancellations, further complicating travel plans.

Holyhead Port’s berths sustained damage during Storm Darragh, leaving the facility inoperable for the time being.

Repair efforts are underway, but officials have confirmed that the port will not reopen until mid-January at the earliest.

With Christmas less than two days away, ferry companies are continuing efforts to accommodate passengers on alternative sailings where possible.

Speaking about the port’s significance, Mr Skates said: “Holyhead is a massively important facility for both Ireland and the UK. We will work to ensure it is operational as quickly as possible.”