Britons wanting to travel to Ireland have been notified of a major transport link being cancelled until after Christmas and New Year’s.
The Port of Holyhead in Wales will remain closed until at least January 15, 2025, after sustaining damage from Storm Darragh.
The closure affects all ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead, disrupting one of Britain’s busiest maritime routes.
The port was originally scheduled to reopen on December 20, but damage to Terminal Three and Terminal Five ferry berths has forced an extended closure to prioritise safety.
The Port of Holyhead has two terminals closed
PA
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said: “The Port of Holyhead in Wales will be closed until at least 15 January 2025 due to damage inflicted by Storm Darragh.
“All ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead are currently cancelled. Check with your travel operator for further information and alternative routes.”
Part of Terminal Three’s structure collapsed following two incidents on December 6 and 7, rendering it unusable. The closure impacts approximately two million annual passengers and 1,200 daily lorry and trailer crossings.
The port is still assessing the full extent of the damage, which occurred when Storm Darragh brought gusts of up to 93mph (150km/h).
Underwater inspections for repair works were delayed until December 10 due to the storm conditions.
President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Ger Hyland, said the ongoing closure continues to be “detrimental” to its members and the Irish and Welsh economies.
He said: “We are now travelling hundreds of miles more, paying higher ferry costs because of a lack of available routes.
“It is meaning a huge commercial cost to the industry which won’t be seen until after Christmas.”
The route from Holyhead to Dublin has been cancelled
Getty
The closure has already forced Ireland’s national postal service to abandon plans to use Holyhead for Christmas deliveries.
Stena Line has apologised for the inconvenience caused and said it was doing all it could to mitigate the effects of the closure.
Alternative routes are available for affected passengers and freight.
Stena Line is offering sailings from Dublin to its ports in Birkenhead, Fishguard and Heysham. The company has also added extra sailings from Belfast to Cairnryan.