Taoiseach Simon Harris held discussions today with the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, regarding the ongoing effects of the Holyhead Port closure on the movement of people and goods between Ireland and Great Britain.

Both leaders welcomed the announcement by Stena Line, the port operator, of a partial reopening of the port on 16 January.

This development is expected to restore freight and passenger services to pre-disruption levels following the impact of Storm Darragh in early December.

The leaders also commended the collaborative efforts of ministers, officials, port and ferry operators, and industry stakeholders from both sides, which mitigated the impact of the closure over the past month.

Following their conversation, Taoiseach Simon Harris stated: "This morning, I had a productive discussion with First Minister Eluned Morgan about the situation at Holyhead Port.

"We both welcomed Stena Line's commitment to partially reopen the port on 16 January, which is great news for the freight sector and passengers on this vital route between Great Britain and Ireland.

"We acknowledged the intense cooperation between ministers, port and ferry operators, and industry over recent weeks to establish contingency plans for the movement of people and goods amidst the significant disruption caused by Storm Darragh.

"Our discussion also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen sea connectivity between Wales and Ireland in the long term.

"I welcomed the Welsh Government's creation of a task force to ensure the Port of Holyhead can meet future needs and was pleased to hear the First Minister's assurance of Irish representation within this initiative."