Storm-hit port calculates costs as services resume

Britain’s second busiest port is set to return to its full range of services after being completely closed for more than a month due to damage caused by Storm Darragh.

Two berths at the port of Holyhead, linking North Wales and Dublin, were damaged on 7 December, affecting thousands of passengers and parcel deliveries as well as business in the town over Christmas.

Only one of those berths is due to reopen on Thursday, meaning port owners Stena Line and Irish Ferries will have to run their regular four daily services from a single berth instead of the usual two.

The Welsh Government said it would consider the results of a survey before deciding on next steps.

A tentative timetable has been drawn up for partial reopening while the second berth is being repaired.

But Holyhead traders said they had seen a sharp decline in passenger numbers and earnings since the closure of the port, which handles 2 million passengers a year and 1,200 lorries and trailers a day.

“We don’t have people coming from Ireland anymore and it seems people are not spending their money in the shops,” said Anglesey councilor Jeff Evans.

“It’s good that Stena is addressing the problem but it is only partially reopening. The sooner it reopens as normal, the better. We can’t do this again.”

Claudia Howard, who owns the Boathouse Hotel, said she was “extremely devastated”.

“We have canceled 147 bookings. If you take an average of £100 a night, that’s £14,700,” he said.

“On top of that, you have their expenditure on the bar, breakfast or if they have had an evening meal, we have actually lost much more than that.

“We also have coach parties up and down to Ireland and they had to be canceled as well.”

He said the business also had to pay for roof damage caused by the storm.

“It’s good to know they (boats) will be going again, so there will be a pick up in trade. One concern is that if there are four boats, it will reduce the reason for people to stop in Holyhead.

“But at least they’re leaving, and that’s a relief.”

He said the cancellations also caused problems along supply chains, such as linen companies that supply hotels.

Anglesey Council leader Gary Pritchard said there should be some kind of “hardship fund” to help businesses.

“We have been led to believe that the Irish Government is certainly considering or has already considered setting up a hardship fund for the haulage industry in Ireland.

“What we are asking for is something similar for those businesses that have been affected in Holyhead.”

The Welsh Government said: “Anglesey Council is currently gathering evidence on the potential impact of the closure, and have a survey available on their website for businesses to complete.

“We will consider this evidence carefully before deciding on next steps.”

In a statement, the Irish Government described the expected resumption of ferry services between Holyhead and Dublin as very positive news for passengers, freight operators and all those in the ports and maritime sectors.

It added: “The impact and response to the closure of Holyhead port over the Christmas period will be reviewed.”