A £40m funding package from the Welsh Government has been announced for the restoration of the 150-year-old Holyhead breakwater. Announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford, the £40m investment, made up of a £20m loan and a £20m grant including support from the 海角视频 Government, will go towards the estimated £110m cost of refurbishing the breakwater.
Built between 1848 and 1873 using rock from the nearby Holyhead mountain, the 2.4km historic superstructure - the longest in the 海角视频 - provides essential protection to the Port of Holyhead which protects the infrastructure and allows ships to dock safely. However, it is gradually being eroded by the Irish Sea, with the stability of the breakwater now under threat, with an increasing probability of a breach in the structure occurring during storm conditions.
Without the breakwater, wave conditions would mean it would be too severe for the operation of ferries and could result in the loss of service and ultimately the closure of the Port. The breakwater also protects several businesses and premises from flooding. Holyhead Port owner Stena Line is working with Dutch engineering consultants Royal Haskoning on the construction of a long-term, robust refurbishment.
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At the Spring Budget in May, 海角视频 chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that the 海角视频 Government would allocate £20m to the Welsh Government to help fund the work which is about part of the £40m funding package. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Holyhead Port is an important asset to North Wales. This £40m investment in the breakwater will help ensure the port’s future and protect jobs. The port is of vital strategic importance. It plays a crucial role in the delivery of economic prosperity for the region and is also a key part of our transport infrastructure.”
Ian Davies, head of 海角视频 Port Authorities at Stena Line Ports Ltd, which operates the Port of Holyhead, said: “We welcome the investment support from the Welsh Government, in addition to the sum pledged by the 海角视频 Government earlier this year. This support contributes significantly to the planned £100m+ investment in the breakwater, which will ensure a long-term and robust refurbishment of this vital piece of infrastructure.
“As the second busiest roll on/roll off port in the 海角视频, Holyhead Port is a key transport link between the 海角视频, Ireland and the rest of Europe moving millions of tonnes of goods and transporting thousands of passengers each year.”
He added: “Looking to the future of the port and wider Anglesey, we are seeking to build with our partners Anglesey County Council on the award of Anglesey Freeport status to boost industry and investment in the region, which will serve to support the local and North Wales Economy. The refurbishment of the breakwater and securing the protection of the Port and surrounding area is crucial to that long-term plan and we’re grateful that the Welsh and 海角视频 Governments have recognised its importance.”
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Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “I very much hope that by resolving the breakwater issue we are giving confidence to the private sector to invest in the port and surrounding area, which will open up exciting new opportunities.
“Both the Welsh and 海角视频 Governments saw the ambition and promise in the Ynys Mon Freeport bid and agreed for it to proceed to the next stage. I look forward to the port outlining in its business case how the Freeport will play a key role in supporting the development of the new green industries of the future.”