Haulage firms are calling for improved communication regarding the reopening of Holyhead, one of the UK’s busiest ports, which has been closed since Storm Darragh caused significant damage. Located in Anglesey, north Wales, the port is not expected to reopen until at least 15th January, causing severe disruption to the vital sea link between north Wales and Dublin.

Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), highlighted the financial and logistical strain on hauliers, describing the closure as costly both in terms of money and drivers’ time. He criticised the lack of clear updates, saying: "If we’d known from the outset that the port wouldn’t be operational, we could have made plans and avoided losing five crucial days rerouting freight."

Holyhead typically handles 1,200 lorries and trailers daily and serves two million passengers annually. With ferry services suspended, alternative routes from Dublin to Liverpool, Heysham, Fishguard, and Belfast to Cairnryan have been implemented. However, the disruption has already impacted industries like postal services, with Ireland’s national post abandoning Christmas deliveries via Holyhead.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth stressed the strategic importance of Holyhead and called for urgent collaboration between the Welsh and UK governments. Meanwhile, Irish Transport Minister Eamon Ryan assured stakeholders that securing alternative routes and resolving the Holyhead issue remains a priority, though hauliers warn delays could lead to layoffs and financial strain without additional support.