BIG changes are underway at Pembrokeshire’s ports as a major storm forces adjustments to Irish Sea crossings.

Holyhead Port suffered significant damage during Storm Darragh, one of the most severe storms to hit the UK in decades. The port has been closed since the storm and is not expected to reopen until mid-January, creating a substantial backlog of traffic waiting to cross the Irish Sea.

In response, services have been rerouted to Pembrokeshire. The Stena Adventurer, a 211-metre, 43,532-tonne vessel, has begun additional sailings between Fishguard Harbour and Dublin. As the largest ship to ever dock at Fishguard, its arrival marks a milestone for the port.

Over in Pembroke Dock, Irish Ferries has temporarily introduced the larger James Joyce ferry on its Rosslare route, replacing the Isle of Innisfree. The James Joyce, previously known as the Oscar Wilde, is no stranger to the route, having operated there earlier this year.

Irish Ferries makes history at Fishguard

On Wednesday evening (Dec 18), Irish Ferries made history by berthing one of its vessels at Fishguard Harbour for the first time. The Isle of Innisfree sailed from Dublin for a trial docking at the port.

A Stena Line spokesperson confirmed: “We’re conducting berthing trials at Fishguard with the Isle of Innisfree. If successful, this will contribute to alleviating the backlog caused by the Holyhead closure.”

Should the trials prove viable, the Isle of Innisfree could operate regular services between Fishguard and Dublin while the James Joyce continues to run on the Pembroke Dock-Rosslare route.

When asked about the potential for this to become a permanent solution, the Stena Line spokesperson emphasized that efforts are currently focused on addressing the immediate crisis.

Irish Ferries responds to disruption

Irish Ferries has issued an apology to customers affected by the ongoing disruption:

“We regret to advise that all Holyhead-Dublin sailings are cancelled up to and including January 15, 2025, due to the closure of Holyhead Port.

“We are contacting affected customers to offer alternative options, including sailings on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, where additional capacity has been made available. We are also exploring additional sailings from other UK ports to Ireland.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers’ patience during this challenging time.”

This historic move highlights the adaptability of Pembrokeshire’s ports in the face of unprecedented challenges, with Fishguard Harbour playing a pivotal role in maintaining Irish Sea connectivity.

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Cardigan on Monday (Dec 18) for the much-anticipated Giant Lantern Parade, hosted by Small World Theatre. Originally scheduled for Dec 6, the event was postponed due to Storm Darragh but proved to be a dazzling highlight of the festive season in Ceredigion.

The parade, inspired by the River Teifi, received financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council. The festivities drew crowds from near and far, with Cardigan’s mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, among those in attendance.

Leading the procession were the vibrant beats of Pembrokeshire-based Samba Doc and stunning giant feature lanterns. The parade snaked through the town and down to the quayside, where thousands of spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Larger-than-life lantern creatures crafted by pupils of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and pyramid lantern displays created by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Llechryd, Cardigan youth groups, and the public added to the event’s charm.

This year, Cardigan is also hosting a Festival of Light, offering a series of festive attractions. In addition to the Lantern Parade, Small World Theatre has curated a Light Trail that runs from 4:30pm to 9:00pm daily, showcasing illuminated lanterns on buildings, creative light displays, and artworks throughout the town. Local independent cafes, shops, and galleries have joined in the festive spirit, decorating their windows to welcome visitors until Christmas.

Cllr Clive Davies expressed his excitement about the festivities:
“We’re delighted to have so many brilliant events happening in Cardigan, and the Giant Lantern Parade is exceptional. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community.”

Ann Shrobree, Director of Small World Theatre, thanked everyone involved:
“Thanks to everyone who helped—Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant volunteers and first aiders. Samba Doc, fire juggling performers, and so many more came together to create a very special event for all.”

This year’s Lantern Parade has cemented its place as a cherished tradition, lighting up Cardigan and spreading festive joy across the community.

A COMPANY with six care homes in Pembrokeshire has revealed it is facing a £150,000 financial hit due to controversial Budget measures.

The hikes in National Insurance contributions, combined with an increase in the Real Living Wage, are set to cause “12 months of instability,” according to Mike Davies, managing director of Sunset West Care Homes’ holding company, Dale Roads Group Ltd.

The group operates six care homes, including Langton Hall Residential Home in Fishguard, Pen-Coed Residential Home in Saundersfoot, and Woodfield Nursing Residential Home in Narberth. Other homes in the group are Woodland Lodge Residential Home in Tenby, Torestin Care Home in Tiers Cross near Haverfordwest, and Pembroke Haven in Pembroke Dock.

Mr Davies warned that struggling care homes may need to ask families to help cover the cost of care for their loved ones.

He is supporting a new campaign launched by Care Forum Wales (CFW), which calls for social care to receive an NHS-style exemption from National Insurance increases or emergency financial support to prevent care homes and domiciliary care providers from going bust.

Save Social Care campaign

CFW chair Mario Kreft MBE is leading the Save Social Care, Save the NHS campaign, highlighting the issue in letters to Welsh MPs, Senedd members, First Minister Eluned Morgan, and Health Minister Jeremy Miles. Similar letters have also been sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The campaign, supported by the Five Nations Group, warns that third-sector providers, including charities and hospices, face serious risks due to the Budget measures.

Mr Davies shared these concerns, stating that Sunset West Care Homes is looking at an additional bill of more than £130,000 just to cover National Insurance increases. Additionally, the group expects to incur an extra £18,000 annually to cover Statutory Sick Pay costs.

With 169 registered beds across the group, Mr Davies said further financial strain from wage increases could push care homes to the brink unless additional funding is provided by the Welsh and UK governments.

He said: “Operating during Covid stretched staff resources to their limits. Now, with these additional Budget costs, we are facing a snapshot of the challenges ahead.

“If costs remain as projected, we anticipate an extra £130,000 for National Insurance contributions alone. This doesn’t even account for the wage increases yet.”

“Uncharted territory”

Mr Davies warned that the social care sector in Pembrokeshire could face instability, with smaller operators struggling to survive.

He said: “We’ve already seen care home closures, and the likelihood is that smaller operators will find it even more difficult going forward. We are relying on additional funding to meet these new costs.

“Eighty per cent of our occupancy in the county comes from local authority placements. If there’s a shortfall, families might need to provide additional voluntary contributions.”

National funding crisis

CFW has calculated that the care sector in Wales faces a £150 million funding gap due to Budget measures, including a 1.2% rise in employer National Insurance contributions, a cut to the Secondary Threshold to £5,000, and a 5% increase in the Real Living Wage to £12.60.

Mario Kreft MBE said: “It represents a 37% increase in employer NIC for a member of staff earning £25,000 a year. This is effectively a tax on publicly funded care and on working people, which will ultimately impact families.”

Mr Davies echoed these concerns, adding: “We’ve discussed funding issues with local authorities, but they don’t have the money either. It’s going to have to come from the Welsh Government and Westminster.”

Pictured: Sunset West Care Homes group managing director Mike Davies says Budget measures will hit care homes hard (Pic: Sunset/Herald)