Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
As a result of the determined and concerted effort across a range of partner organisations, I am delighted that the Port of Holyhead is today once again open for business at full capacity.
First and foremost, I would like to thank passengers and the freight industry for their patience and co-operation in adapting to the route changes that were necessary in light of the damage caused from Storm Darragh affecting terminal 3 and terminal 5 ferry berths. I would also like to thank the port operators, the ferry companies and the dedicated staff in Holyhead, Fishguard, Milford Haven and further afield, for their efforts in ensuring that both people and goods were able to complete their journeys, especially over the peak festive period.
Co-ordination of this effort was greatly boosted as a result of the close co-operation between Welsh Government Ministers and officials with their counterparts in the Irish Government, with the First Minister meeting with the Taoiseach as recently as last Friday. The collaboration and sharing of information in real-time informed the provision of alternative services and helped minimise traffic related impacts. I am also grateful to the relevant UK Government Ministers and Departments, local authorities and trade bodies for the part they have played in this task.
I would like to thank Stena for honouring their commitment to reopen terminal 5 today, despite the challenges posed by poor weather conditions, allowing the resumption of both their own and Irish Ferries sailings, restoring the normal capacity of this critical route.
Work is proceeding to establish the multi-stakeholder taskforce that I announced last week. I will provide you with regular updates as it this work progresses.