News

Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2024

IRISH Ferries’ Isle of Innisfree sustained damage during arrival on Friday (Dec 20) at Fishguard port. The incident occurred as the ferry attempted to dock, resulting in a hole in the vessel’s hull.

The new Dublin-Fishguard route was hastily established in response to the ongoing closure of Holyhead port, which has been shut since early December due to storm damage. Holyhead, the busiest port between the UK and Ireland, is not expected to reopen until January 15, 2025, at the earliest

This closure has caused significant disruption to both passenger and freight traffic, with an estimated 100,000 people typically returning to Ireland for Christmas. The new Fishguard route was intended to alleviate some of this pressure and maintain vital connections between Ireland and Wales.

As the Isle of Innisfree approached Fishguard on its inaugural journey, it encountered difficulties during the docking process. While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, the ferry sustained a hole in its hull upon contact with the port structures.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident. However, the damage has necessitated immediate emergency repairs.

The Herald understands that the ferry operator is currently assessing the damage and carrying out emergency repairs. Vehicles will be allowed to board once the vessel is deemed fit to sail.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by ferry operators in adapting to the Holyhead port closure. As the busy Christmas period approaches, both the Welsh and Irish governments are working closely with commercial ferry and port operators to increase capacity and minimise disruption.

The company said: “Irish Ferries apologises for the delay in this evening’s 1730 departure from Fishguard, which is due to a technical issue which arose on the ship’s arrival into the port earlier this evening. This issue is currently being resolved and the intention is for the ship to depart for Dublin as soon as is possible. All passengers are being kept fully informed of progress.”

Partners are continuing to work together to ensure passengers and freight are able to travel to and from Ireland ahead of the Christmas period following the temporary closure of the port of Holyhead.

Earlier today, and before the incident, the Welsh Government said in a press release that additional services have been provided by Stena and Irish Ferries at alternative ports, with Irish Ferries due to begin a new service from Fishguard later today.

The ferry companies are contacting their customers, and passengers are also encouraged to check the ferry companies’ websites for the very latest information.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their efforts so far in working to ensure people can travel to and from Ireland.

“Both myself, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning and the First Minister continue to work closely in partnership with the Irish Government on this issue. There have been extensive efforts to bring everyone together to quickly and effectively find and implement solutions, also including the UK Government, the Metro Mayor for Liverpool and others.

“I understand how important it is for people to be able to travel home at this time of year, the ferry companies are delivering on alternative routes and I thank them for this. I would urge passengers to check the ferry websites to find the latest information on how they can travel.

“Partners such as Transport for Wales and local authorities have also been working to ensure smooth traffic flow to the alternative ports, as they will experience increased activity.

“I know the situation will have caused anxiety at this particular time of year, when travel to see loved ones is so important. I am grateful to all our partners who have made every effort to deal with this situation.”

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.