‘Nightmare’ for retailers as sea route from UK stays closed [Video]

Fears are mounting that the vital Holyhead-Dublin sea route could remain closed until January, leaving retailers without Christmas stock, writes Adam Pogrund.

Hauliers have said this would represent a “nightmare” situation as Holyhead port has now been closed for seven days and counting. All ferries were cancelled again yesterday.

The closure of the route, which is vital for trade between Ireland and the UK, is set to cause shortages of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and packages ordered online ahead of Christmas.

Holyhead Port was closed after it sustained infrastructural damage last Saturday from Storm Darragh.

A spokesman for Holyhead Port said: “At this point, it is estimated that the berths will reopen for ferry traffic on Thursday December 19 at the earliest.

“Safety is of paramount importance to Holyhead Port and a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage and repairs required is ongoing.”

Originally, management of the Welsh port said they were expecting it to …