Ministers Ryan and Lawless welcome progress towards reopening of Holyhead Port
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State James Lawless have welcomed progress towards the reopening of Holyhead Port, which has been closed since damage sustained during Storm Darragh last December.
Holyhead Port has confirmed that Terminal 5 is on target to reopen on the planned date of 16 January 2025. Berthing trials will take place over the coming days so that ferry services can then resume. Ferry operators have adjusted schedules so that there will be up to eight daily sailings, ensuring no loss of usual capacity on the Dublin-Holyhead route. Once Terminal 5 is back in operation, the focus will turn to restoring Terminal 3.
This is very positive news for passengers, freight operators, and all in the ports and maritime sectors. The department and both Ministers have been in regular contact with stakeholders since the closure began, including holding a constructive exchange with freight and supply chain stakeholders on 9 January.
Minister Ryan said:
“I pay tribute to all, on both sides of the Irish Sea, who have worked with great diligence and commitment to restore this vital connection between our islands.”
Minister Lawless said:
“I thank all involved in this process for their constructive and collaborative approach, which has ensured that essential supply chains have been maintained during this challenging time.”
The Ministers further noted that the impact of and response to the closure of Holyhead Port over the Christmas period will be reviewed internally by the department, in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office. The learning will be fed into the ongoing review of the National Ports Policy.