News

Irish Ferries docks at Fishguard Harbour for the first time

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2024

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.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

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

Published

7 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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.