Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

Ferry ‘Oscar Wilde’ to operate from Pembrokeshire from June

Published

on

IRISH FERRIES had added a new cruise ferry to its fleet, and it will be operating from Pembrokeshire from early June – in time for the summer period.

The ship was built in 2007 in Finland for Tallink Grupp. Originally called the Star, it will be renamed the Oscar Wilde.

Irish Ferries said it will be the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish sea.

It has a capacity of over 2,080 passengers, with a possible top speed of 27.5 knots. The ship has 134 cabins and over 2,380 lane meters for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles.

It also has a large duty free shopping space, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming facilities, pet facilities and family-friendly features such as a children’s play area.

Promo video for the vessel

“Along with usual advantages of ferry travel in terms of no luggage restrictions or security queues, we are confident that the Oscar Wilde will become a firm favourite with our passengers and freight drivers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board,” said Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries Managing Director.

The ship will enter service on the Rosslare to Pembroke route replacing the chartered Blue Star 1 for the summer period.

Irish Ferries operated a previous cruise ship called the Oscar Wilde, which ICG sold to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company for €28.9m back in 2019.

“The decision by Irish Ferries to bring the new Oscar Wilde ship to the Rosslare to Pembroke route is the latest boost for passengers – including tourists – travelling to and from our port,” said Glenn Carr, authority director for Rosslare Europort.

Mr Carr said the news that the Oscar Wilde will be operating the Rosslare to Pembroke route from June follows the introduction of the Rosslare to Bilbao route on the Salamanca by Brittany Ferries, and Stena Line’s doubling of the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg services from June to six each way weekly, with the introduction of the Stena Horizon on the route.

“All three vessels from all three shipping lines are of an extremely high standard for passengers,” he said.

Mr Carr said he believes these services will make Ireland a more attractive destination for UK and European tourists.

In February it was widely reported that Irish Ferries staff operating out of Rosslare Europort expressed concerns that their company was considering pulling out of the Wexford port and abandoning the Rosslare to Pembroke route.

There is still uncertainty about the long term prospects for the ferry service, now that traffic has collapsed post-Brexit, but the new ferry – albeit a temporary measure – will be welcomed by many.

Mid and West Wales Senedd Member Eluned Morgan MS said at the time: “I met with Irish Ferries late last year, and message I received was that the company wishes to continue to make investments in its operations – I am hopeful that Irish Ferries remains committed to Pembroke Dock.

“The risks to our ports and trade routes post-Brexit were stated by those who understood the fragility of our position. I am in regular contact with both ferry operators in relation to their support for Pembrokeshire and will discuss the matter again with cabinet colleagues in Welsh Government.”

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We can confirm that we renewed our contract with Irish Ferries in 2021 and we continue to provide excellent port services to support this important UK and International trade route.”

 

Business

Tudor Glen Caravan Park Pembrokeshire planning call

Published

on

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire caravan site to be allowed static caravans in lieu of touring ones, which the applicant says was allowed back in 1988, has been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Keith Stevens of Tudor Glen Caravan Park, Jameston, through agent Lambe Planning & Design Ltd, seeks a certificate of lawfulness of an existing use of the site to establish the status of a 1988 planning permission.

Essentially what that means is the applicant is seeking confirmation of details of that permission as to whether it includes static or touring caravans.

A supporting statement says: “Tudor Glen Caravan Park is a long-established family owned and operated Holiday Park. The Park extends to approximately six acres and caters for families within static caravans, touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

“The Park is exceptionally well run and achieved the 2025 runner up award for Best Family Campsite South Wales. The Park has a range of modern purpose-built facilities including a heated swimming pool, laundrette, dedicated play area, games room and full amenity facilities.”

Covering the 1988 approval of removing two previous conditions connected to the site, granting permission for up to 50 caravans and occupancy of March 1 to January 9, it says: “It does not stipulate that the caravans must be removed from the site during the ‘close period’ as would be the case if the consent related to touring caravans,” adding: “It is therefore clear that the intentions of that planning application and the consent granted relates to the siting of up to 50 caravans and not specifically touring caravans.

“If that consent were to be partially restricted to touring, a touring condition would have been imposed and / or a condition requiring that the caravans must be removed from the site during a close period – it doesn’t.”

It concludes: “Whilst the park has been operated on the basis of providing both Static Caravan and Touring Caravan Pitches, [the 1988] Planning Approval clearly gives permission for any type of caravan which complies with the Legal Definition of a Caravan.

“That permission does not restrict the type of unit to either static or touring caravans and does not restrict the layout of the holiday park it is therefore concluded that [the 1988 permission] allows for the siting of any unit which complies with the legal definition of a caravan, and does not restrict the layout or location of the units.

“The applicant therefore seeks confirmation from the LPA to that effect via this Certificate of Lawful (proposed) Use application.”

The application will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Pembrokeshire Lydstep Beach Village development refused

Published

on

A CALL for an extra sign advertising a Pembrokeshire holiday park, adding to exiting unauthorised ones, which planners say would create “visual clutter and intrusion” and a distraction to drivers, has been refused.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, permission was sought, through Lakeside Signs Limited, for an additional sign advertising Haven’s Lydstep Beach Village, near Tenby, the sign proposed for North Lodge where the holiday park joins the main road.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways authority raised no concerns regarding the specific location of the sign, but said “there remains a broader concern regarding the cumulative impact of signage along this section of highway,” adding: “The increasing proliferation of signs in this location has the potential to create a visually cluttered environment, which may distract drivers and, in turn, give rise to road safety implications.”

A Park officer report recommending refusal said: “Currently, there are eight flagpoles, one A-frame banner type sign, one pole mounted panel sign, and a further panel sign, located behind the stone wall on the western side of the park’s entrance. None of these advertisements have the benefit of advertisement consent.”

It added: “The increasing number of signs in this location has the potential to create a distraction to drivers, which may result in road safety implications. In addition, the proliferation of signage would create clutter that would result in visual intrusion in this countryside location affecting amenity. As such, the recommendation is to refuse.”

It went on to say: “Whilst it is not deemed that the proposed advertisement would result in harm being caused to the specific special qualities of this area, there are concerns that the display of this advertisement would, along with the remainder of the advertisements, which are unauthorised, result in a proliferation of advertisements, which in turn would cause visual clutter and intrusion.

“This is especially problematic in a countryside location where development is strictly controlled. Should the existing signage be consolidated and rationalised, the Authority may support the proposed sign, however, currently, any additional signage would not be deemed appropriate.”

The application was refused on the grounds that it would, along with the exiting signage, “result in visual clutter and intrusion which would detract from the visual amenity of this countryside location, and would result in potential distraction to drivers, which in turn would rise to road safety implications”.

 

Continue Reading

Business

The Cheesecake Guy store could be coming to Saundersfoot

Published

on

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Coal Building interpretation centre could soon host the third store for Welsh cheesecake business The Cheesecake Guy Ltd, in plans before the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Craig Taylor of Merthyr Tydfil-based The Cheesecake Guy Ltd seeks a change of use of part of Saundersfoot’s Cambrian Terrace Coal Building interpretation centre to create a small retail unit.

On its website, The Cheesecake Guy says of its business and products: “Established in 2019, The Cheesecake Guy is all about delivering indulgent, handcrafted cheesecake desserts with a twist. While we offer a range of sweet treats, our specialty — and customer favourite — is the signature cheesecake jar.

“Made with quality ingredients and packed with rich, creamy layers, our jars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, The Cheesecake Guy brings a spoonful of happiness to every bite.”

While no supporting statement has yet been published for the Saundersfoot proposal, the application says the scheme would employ two full-time members of staff, operating 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, and 10-5 on Sundays and bank holidays.

It says the proposed site is currently a mixed-use retail and gift shop, having previously been used as office space.

It adds: “This is a space within a building that is still trading, the space we are wanting a change of use was last used by Persimmon Homes as an office space.”

Of the scheme itself it says it will involve “retail sales of pre-prepared desserts and merchandise,” adding there will be “no on-site manufacturing or heavy processing,” with “equipment limited to display fridges and freezers”.

If approved, the Saundersfoot site would be the third outlet for The Cheesecake Guy, with sites in Merthyr, and, more recently, Newport Market.

After that store opened following redevelopment of Newport’s Victorian market, Craig Taylor, of The Cheesecake Guy, said: “We are very excited to be part of the new development in Newport Market alongside some other amazing small businesses.

“We feel this is definitely the next step in the right direction after our Merthyr Tydfil store taking off so well.”

For its Newport site, The Cheesecake Guy says: “We specialise in creating a wide variety of cheesecake desserts that cater to all tastes. Our menu features popular favourites that have won the hearts of many, alongside exciting new creations designed to keep your taste buds satisfied.

“Whether you’re a classic cheesecake lover or an adventurous foodie, we promise a cheesecake experience like no other. Each cheesecake is made with the utmost care, ensuring a rich, creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every slice (or jar!).”

The Saundersfoot proposal will be considered by park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

News15 hours ago

Plaid Cymru celebrates historic victory as Rhun ap Iorwerth arrives at Cardiff Bay

CROWDS gathered outside the Senedd as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth arrived in Cardiff Bay following his party’s historic...

Crime16 hours ago

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old...

Crime19 hours ago

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident...

News1 day ago

Catastrophe for Labour as Plaid and Reform reshape Welsh politics

ELUNED MORGAN LOSES SEAT AS OLD CERTAINTIES ARE SWEPT AWAY THE VOTERS of Wales have delivered one of the most...

News2 days ago

Labour wiped out in Ceredigion Penfro as Plaid tops poll and First Minister loses seat

Shock result sends political shockwaves across Wales as Reform also surges in historic Senedd count LABOUR suffered one of the...

News2 days ago

Labour deputy says party ‘will not form next Welsh Government’

LABOUR FACES HISTORIC DEFEAT AS COUNTING CONTINUES ACROSS WALES LABOUR’S Deputy Leader in Wales has effectively conceded the Senedd election,...

News2 days ago

Counts underway in historic Senedd election

Wales waits for results as first election under new voting system reaches count stage COUNTING is underway across Wales today...

Charity3 days ago

Chief’s Tour honours fallen officers with 75-mile Pembrokeshire ride

Dyfed-Powys Police team raises thousands for bereaved police families charity A TEAM of officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police cycled...

Crime3 days ago

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room...

Crime3 days ago

Milford Haven woman denies causing suffering to cat

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering...

Popular This Week