David McRedmond, the chief executive of An Post, stated the closure of Holyhead Port has become a "really big issue" for both the Irish and British governments, with over 500,000 packages held up. He added, "We have 300-plus trailers at Holyhead, in a line over 4km long." This highlights the seriousness of the situation, as thousands of trailers are stranded due to the port closure.
Pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and online packages, including electronics from Black Friday sales, are among the products likely to be impacted by the backlog. Mr. McRedmond noted there are currently "up to 10,000 trailers in the wrong place" across the UK, illustrating the widespread disruptions caused by the operational halt.
The Department of Transport is working on contingency plans due to Holyhead's closure, emphasizing its significance as a critical trade route. They announced that additional capacity is being provided from Rosslare, with Irish Ferries assigning the MV James Joyce to replace another ferry, offering 50% more capacity to alleviate supply chain pressures.
A spokesman for Holyhead Port indicated that a thorough investigation is ongoing regarding the infrastructural damage from Storm Darragh, which has kept the port shut. The estimated reopening for ferry traffic is projected for Thursday 19th December at the earliest, underscoring the urgency of repairs and their implications for trade.
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