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Irish Ferries welcomes return of JAMES JOYCE to Dublin–Holyhead route

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Vessel to be largest and fastest cruise ferry on the Irish Sea

IRISH FERRIES has announced the addition of a new cruise ferry to its fleet, confirming the purchase of the STAR 1 from Tallink Hansaway Limited. Built in 2007 in Finland at the same shipyard as the ULYSSES, the vessel previously operated with Irish Ferries under charter and will now return to service under its former name, JAMES JOYCE.

The JAMES JOYCE will rejoin the fleet in May, operating on the Dublin–Holyhead route alongside the ULYSSES and the DUBLIN SWIFT.

With capacity for more than 2,000 passengers and 2,380 lane metres for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles, the JAMES JOYCE will become the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea. It also boasts the largest onboard retail space on any cruise ferry in the region, with over 17,000 square feet dedicated to shopping, making it a key destination for duty-free bargains.

Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, the ship features a blend of classic and modern interiors. Facilities include ample cabin accommodation, a Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming area, pet-friendly spaces, a children’s play area, and amenities tailored to freight drivers.

One of the standout features of the JAMES JOYCE is its top speed of 27.5 knots, making it the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This speed advantage will allow Irish Ferries to offer both passengers and freight customers a quicker and more reliable journey between Ireland and the UK.

Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said:
“We are delighted to announce the return of the JAMES JOYCE to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and onboard facilities. Combined with the usual benefits of ferry travel—no luggage restrictions, no long security queues—we’re confident the JAMES JOYCE will become a firm favourite among passengers and freight drivers alike. We look forward to welcoming them on board.”

The JAMES JOYCE will enter service on the Dublin–Holyhead route in May, with fares starting from €138 / £132 for a single journey with a car and one adult. With its combination of scale, speed, and state-of-the-art amenities, it is set to become the premier choice for travel across the Irish Sea.

Irish Ferries also operates sailings between Rosslare and Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, and frequently rotates vessels across its routes—so who knows, we may one day see this fine vessel serving the people of West Wales too.

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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