The Daily Star Ireland
An Post anticipates receiving approximately 350,000 parcels from the UK over the next 24 hours due to the backlog caused by the closure of Holyhead Port. This disruption was triggered by damage from Storm Darragh, which halted ferry operations between Ireland and Wales. Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Commercial, mentioned on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that Holyhead Port will remain closed until December 19.
Despite the closure, Bridgeman reassured that An Post has the necessary facilities, technology, and staff to handle the influx of parcels. He advised customers to check with retailers about the status of their deliveries, noting that many online sellers have found alternative routes into Ireland. Currently, about 150,000 parcels are still in Holyhead but are being rerouted. Bridgeman emphasized that An Post will deliver parcels as soon as they arrive in Ireland and encouraged customers to track their packages.
The Irish Road Haulage Association President, Ger Hyland, expressed concerns about the pressure hauliers will face to deliver freight before Christmas due to significant backlogs at Rosslare, Fishguard, and Pembroke ports. An Post has deployed 1,400 temporary workers to assist with the backlog, which has already been reduced from 500,000 to 150,000 parcels by rerouting efforts.
An Post will provide daily updates on the situation and the impact on parcel deliveries. Many UK retailers have collaborated with ferry companies to secure alternative routes into Ireland, resulting in reduced backlogs at Holyhead. Customers planning to order from the UK are advised to verify delivery dates with retailers. Nationwide parcel deliveries will continue, and all post offices will remain open on Saturday, December 14. An Post will deliver parcels received by December 21 up to Christmas Eve.
CEO David McRedmond expressed confidence that items ordered before Storm Darragh will be delivered before Christmas, and any parcels arriving from within Ireland or the EU by December 21 will also be delivered on time. While Holyhead’s closure poses significant challenges, An Post is addressing the issue by rerouting deliveries through Fishguard, Liverpool, and Larne. McRedmond noted that the current backlog of 150,000 parcels is manageable and additional ferry capacity is being utilized on other routes. An Post is also arranging extra air freight to handle deliveries.
McRedmond suggested that customers consider ordering from Irish websites and shopping locally. He highlighted the importance of Holyhead for Ireland’s connections, similar to Dublin Airport, and mentioned that An Post plans to build a major parcel hub outside the M50 to improve logistics.
