Holyhead port set to fully reopen on 1 July

One of Britain's busiest ports is on course to fully reopen on 1 July after it was damaged by Storm Darragh, it has been announced.

Two berths at Holyhead, which links north Wales and Dublin, were damaged on 7 December, affecting thousands of travellers and parcel deliveries over Christmas, as well as businesses in the town.

One of those berths reopened on 15 January, having been closed since 7 December after damage by strong winds and waves.

On Monday it was confirmed that planning is underway for the restoration of the second berth - Terminal 3 - with the current estimate for reopening set for 1 July 2025.

Stena Line and Irish Ferries have been running their regular four daily services from a single site, rather than the usual two.

A temporary timetable for the partial reopening has been operating while the second berth is being repaired.

But traders in Holyhead said they had seen a huge drop in footfall and earnings since the closure of the port, which sees two million passengers a year and 1,200 lorries and trailers crossing every day.

Stena Line said: "Work is progressing to ensure that the berth is returned to full operational capabilities as safely and efficiently as possible."

It added that looking ahead, it remained committed to the "long-term resilience" of Holyhead Port and ensuring its sustainable future.