UPDATE: Local Senedd Members, Paul Davies MS and Samuel Kurtz MS, are urgently calling for action to protect the crucial Irish Sea routes between Rosslare, Pembroke Dock, and Fishguard. This comes after a series of significant cancellations of crossings that threaten the economic stability of Pembrokeshire and its surrounding regions.
The importance of the Southern Corridor has surged as Terminal 5 at Holyhead Port remains closed, and disruptions last year due to berthing damage at Holyhead have heightened concerns. The local representatives stress that these routes are now more vital than ever for reliable connectivity between West Wales, Ireland, and the rest of the UK.
“Any interruption to these routes demands swift and transparent communication from operators,” emphasized Paul Davies. He stated, “These crossings play a key role… Any disruption can cause challenges for businesses and supply chains, and so it’s vital that operators keep people informed as possible and work to maintain reliable services.”
With the festive season approaching, the potential for further cancellations has raised alarms. The failure to transport key freight ahead of Christmas particularly threatens local supply chains that depend on timely deliveries, according to Samuel Kurtz. He remarked, “These routes are not simply transport links; they are economic lifelines, and operators must provide assurances that their contingency planning is strong enough to prevent disruption at such a critical trading period.”
The disruption of these routes places immense pressure on local haulage firms. They are forced to absorb delays, reroute vehicles, and face rising costs, which could cripple businesses already grappling with economic challenges.
As the situation develops, both Davies and Kurtz are advocating for strengthened engagement between operators, government, and local stakeholders to ensure the long-term resilience of these vital transportation links.
Residents and businesses alike are urged to stay informed as updates about the crossings are expected to be released shortly. The impact on Pembrokeshire’s economy and community wellbeing cannot be overstated, making this an urgent issue that demands immediate attention.
Stay tuned for further developments as local officials continue to monitor the situation and push for necessary actions to safeguard Pembrokeshire’s economic lifelines.
