News

Pembrokeshire ‘to become part of Ireland’ to avoid Brexit disruption to ports and industry

Published

7 years ago

April 1, 2019

PEMBROKESHIRE is set to be ceded to the Republic of Ireland, in an effort to avoid the disruption to the county’s ports as a result of Brexit.

The Welsh Government had recently admitted that the UK Government’s temporary tariffs on imports, which would come into force in the event of a no deal Brexit, could see Welsh ports lose out. In such a scenario, the UK’s temporary import tariffs will not apply to goods crossing from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland. It is also unlikely there will be routine checks on goods travelling between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, potentially creating an incentive for hauliers to route traffic through Northern Ireland, rather than taking the direct sea routes from Ireland to Wales.

Last year, the president of the Irish Road Haulage Association told Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Select Committee that in a no-deal scenario, the Dublin-Holyhead route would be the only

Irish port able to handle agricultural produce moving between the EU and the UK as it has a specialist inspection post. At Fishguard and Pembroke the facilities are not developed. It has been feared that in Fishguard port alone, 70-80 direct jobs would be lost as a result of Brexit.

A Welsh Assembly committee report found that over 70% of Irish cargo passes through Wales, and voiced concerns that displacement of traffic from Welsh ports as a result of Brexit would negatively impact ports in the Republic of Ireland. As a result, plans have been made to incorporate the county of Pembrokeshire into the Republic of Ireland.

Pembrokeshire would become the 32nd local authority of the Republic, and would be incorporated into the Western region of the Gardaí police service. Trilingual road signs will be erected in the county, displaying directions in English, Welsh and Irish Gaelic.

Pembrokeshire also shares a rich cultural heritage with Ireland. The name Dyfed is derived from the historic name given to the region once settled by the Irish Déisi in the early Middle Ages, and until the 5th century Old Irish was spoken in the region.

Ireland’s citizenship laws currently relate to ‘the island of Ireland’, thereby extending them to Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Therefore, this will be updated and extended to Pembrokeshire. People of the county may then exercise an entitlement to Irish citizenship, such as an Irish passport, as well as retaining all the benefits of being an EU citizen.

Community

Milford Haven EarthCam back online after brief technical issue

Published

6 minutes ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN’S popular EarthCam is back in action following a brief technical issue.

The camera, positioned on top of the Pembrokeshire Herald building at 11 Hamilton Terrace, provides panoramic views across the town, marina and the Milford Haven Waterway.

The live feed captures shipping movements and changing weather conditions along the Haven, with striking views towards the refinery and energy terminals further upstream.

Viewers can also follow the progress of the new block of flats being constructed on Charles Street, on the former Motorworld site.

The camera has proved popular with residents, former Pembrokeshire residents living further afield, maritime enthusiasts and visitors keen to check conditions around the town and waterway.

WATCH THE MILFORD HAVEN EARTHCAM LIVE

Entertainment

Torch Theatre reveals full Sunset Cinema line-up for summer 2026

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Outdoor screenings will take place at waterfront and historic locations across Pembrokeshire, including Milford Haven, Saundersfoot, St Davids and Pembroke Castle

DECKCHAIRS, blankets and picnics will be at the ready as the Torch Theatre’s popular Sunset Cinema returns for another summer of outdoor screenings.

The 2026 season will take audiences from Mackerel Quay in Milford Haven to Saundersfoot Harbour, Tŵr y Felin in St Davids and the spectacular surroundings of Pembroke Castle.

Working with media partner Pure West Radio, the Torch Theatre will tour Pembrokeshire with a large LED screen designed to provide a clear picture in daylight and in changing weather conditions.

This year’s programme includes family favourites, Hollywood classics and blockbuster adventures, with screenings of Finding Nemo, Back to the Future, Shark Tale, Jaws, Jurassic World, The Greatest Showman, How to Train Your Dragon and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.

The season begins at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with a double bill. Finding Nemo will be shown at 2.30pm, followed by Back to the Future at 7pm.

The following evening, Saundersfoot Harbour will host a premiere screening of Near and Distant Things, a new film by local filmmaker Emily Batty that was shot in and around Saundersfoot.

Sunset Cinema programme

Friday, July 17, Mackerel Quay, Milford Haven

Finding Nemo at 2.30pm
Back to the Future at 7pm

Saturday, July 18, Saundersfoot Harbour

Emily Batty’s Near and Distant Things at 7pm

Saturday, August 8, Saundersfoot Harbour

Shark Tale at 2.30pm
Jaws at 7pm

Saturday, August 15, Tŵr y Felin, St Davids

Jurassic World at 7pm

Friday, August 21, Milford Haven Port Authority

The Greatest Showman at 7pm

Friday, August 28, Pembroke Castle

How to Train Your Dragon at 2.30pm

Saturday, August 29, Pembroke Castle

Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet at 7pm

The Torch Theatre’s Sunset Cinema season will run from Friday, July 17, until Saturday, August 29.

Tickets can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

Community

Neyland Carnival hailed a huge success after streets fill with colour and crowds

Published

2 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND CARNIVAL organisers have thanked the community, volunteers and local businesses who helped make this year’s event a memorable success.

Crowds lined the streets on Saturday, July 11, as a colourful parade made its way through the town before the celebrations continued at Neyland RFC.

Organisers said the day had exceeded expectations, with families turning out in the sunshine to support the parade, musicians, stalls and activities.

***Carnival King and Queen: Malcolm and Margaret***

Posting after the event, Neyland Carnival said: “Yesterday certainly didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic day we had.

“We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. It’s always great to see how well the carnival is supported.

“Thank you to all that entered the parade and to everyone that lined the streets.”

Organisers also thanked Margaret and Malcolm, who served as the town’s King and Queen, along with everyone who entered the parade and helped create the floats and costumes.

Audrey John donated fabric to help decorate the Prince and Princess float, while Becki Lorch provided hair styling for the princesses.

Sinclair Neyland supplied the vehicle used by the town’s King and Queen, with John Gidman acting as driver.

Neyland RFC provided the use of its pitch, with members of the junior section helping with the clean-up. The Hub and its staff were also thanked for hosting and supporting the event.

Green Light Traffic Management provided vehicles and helped manage traffic, supported by Valero volunteers and other volunteers working on the gates and road closures.

The carnival’s three main sponsors were Ron Skinner & Sons, Community Interest Care and Neyland Town Council.

Further sponsorship was provided by Hart Windows & Doors, The Plaice to Eat, No Mercy Wrestling and Cleddau Memorials.

Organisers also thanked Rob Hymers for providing the stage, Communic8 for equipment hire, Phil Haskett-Smith for photography, Junk Monkey for skip hire and Pro Scaffolding Pembrokeshire.

Rose and Willow helped keep children hydrated during registration, while Arthur Day managed the carnival field.

Thanks were also extended to all of the musicians, stallholders and volunteers who supported the event, including those who returned on Sunday morning to help with the clean-up.

Stuart Rice was thanked for helping with advertising.

The parade was judged by Neyland Mayor Peter Hay, Pembroke Dock Mayor Tony Wilcox and Neyland East county councillor Simon Hancock.

Organisers said the strength of support from residents, businesses and volunteers had once again shown the community spirit behind one of Neyland’s most popular annual events.