The Daily Star Ireland
Ferry operators are urgently seeking alternative routes across the Irish Sea as the reopening of Holyhead Port before Christmas seems increasingly unlikely. The port has been closed due to damage sustained during Storm Darragh earlier this month.
Irish Ferries has announced that it is actively engaging with other UK ports to accommodate its vessels, aiming to alleviate pressure on both freight and passenger services. They have increased capacity on their Pembroke-Rosslare route by deploying the James Joyce vessel to handle more passengers.
In light of freight backlogs and the upcoming holiday travel rush, Irish Ferries remains in talks with alternative British ports to ensure that both freight and passengers can reach their destinations in time for Christmas. The company is awaiting confirmation on whether the port will reopen on Friday but continues to explore all viable options.
Stena Line is also working quickly to find alternative routes. The closure of Holyhead has severely impacted their Dublin-Holyhead route, leading to the cancellation of all sailings until Friday. They have chartered the Ben My Chree vessel to operate a new route between Dublin and Heysham.
Transport Minister James Lawless has indicated that there is a possibility Holyhead Port may not reopen on Friday, which could mean some passengers and freight will not be accommodated on alternative crossings. He acknowledged that not all packages and passengers might make it through, especially non-perishable and less time-sensitive cargo.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has stated that the situation at Holyhead is unlikely to improve before Christmas, which is concerning for people awaiting goods and those trying to travel home for the holidays. He mentioned that Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Minister James Lawless are meeting with Welsh officials, Irish Ferries, and Stena Line to address the issue.
The Welsh government has relaxed driving time regulations for hauliers to help reduce the freight backlog at the port. Harris also mentioned that additional shuttle buses and other measures are being considered to facilitate travel.
Holyhead Port reported that two separate berthing incidents on December 6 and 7 caused significant damage to the Terminal 3 berth used by Irish Ferries, rendering it unusable. Underwater inspections, delayed by Storm Darragh, are ongoing to assess the damage.
Irish Ferries reiterated that the closure was due to storm damage to the port infrastructure, not their berthing operations.
Lawless emphasized the importance of ensuring additional public transport connections for the estimated 150,000 passengers trying to get home for Christmas. He has instructed the National Transport Authority to ensure that shuttle buses and emergency reception facilities are available.
Photographer Christopher Williams captured images showing substantial damage to the berth structure, which includes a platform supporting a dolphin used as a buffer for docking ships.
Lawless stressed the need for accurate information from Holyhead Port regarding the repairs, as the situation appears more serious than initially thought. He has directed all stakeholders to plan for alternative solutions beyond Holyhead over the past few days.
