News

One of Pembrokeshire’s ferry ports could close because of reduced freight traffic

Published

4 years ago

February 10, 2021

THE HEAD of Rosslare Europort has claimed that one of Pembrokeshire’s Irish Sea ports could close because of reduced trade traffic between Ireland and the UK.

The volume of freight traffic between Wales’ three Irish Sea ports has significantly fallen since the New Year.

While the Prime Minister has dismissed the issue as one of Brexit’s ‘teething problems, Glenn Carr, the General Manager at Rosslare Europort, said: “A lot of the major retailers in Ireland are bringing their products for their shelves directly in from mainland Europe now, We’re seeing big customers, the likes of Amazon, now bringing in a lot of freight on a daily basis.”

Rosslare Europort has aggressively targeted the increase of direct sailings between the Irish port and mainland Europe.

Most trade between Ireland and the EU takes place via the UK ‘land-bridge’. However, although that remains the case, trade volumes to mainland Europe from Rosslare has increased over 450% since the end of the EU transition period.

Mr Carr claims that only one port in Pembrokeshire is needed to meet the demand for freight traffic and that increased sailings to and from that single port would make more commercial sense for Irish businesses and hauliers.

The changes needed, he claims, must be made on the Welsh side of the Irish Sea.

While customs delays in the UK have been blamed for a fall in traffic, delays also affect trade entering and leaving Ireland due to IT and customs problems at Irish ports.

January is a quieter time for ferry services but commercial freight sustains vital trading connections all year round.

On-board Isle of Inishmore: The bridge

Stena, which operates Fishguard, reports a sharp decline in Irish Sea traffic in the first fortnight of January when traffic fell by 78% year-on-year. Since then, freight numbers have recovered but remain at little more than 50% of normal levels.

Daily ferry services have operated between Fishguard and Rosslare for the last 115 years. Pembrokeshire’s ports support a significant number of jobs, not only at the ports but also indirectly in the wider local economy. The routes are operated by separate companies and the ports of Pembroke Dock and Fishguard are under separate ownership.

Speaking on ITV Wales’ The Sharp End on February 2, Stephen Crabb MP said: “The ports of Holyhead, Fishguard and Pembroke Dock are key assets for the Welsh economy and it is essential they remain competitive.

“I hope that some of the initial problems we have seen over the last few weeks will get ironed out as companies get used to the new processes. But there is more work to be done to ensure the long term health of our ports.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.