Welsh transport secretary Ken Skates has announced a new task force to help deliver a new strategy for the future of Holyhead Port.
The announcement follows the temporary closure of the port following damage to its berthing infrastructure inflicted by Storm Darragh.
Stena Ferries, which operates the Port, has indicated that remedial work is currently on schedule for a partial re-opening on 16 January.
Mr Skates will lead the ‘multi stakeholder’ task force, alongside the cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans.
Officials said the group will work with Irish transport minister James Lawless, the UK Government and other key players in the Welsh and Irish ports and ferry industry to ensure the port meets the future needs of both nations.
Mr Skates said: ‘We have always recognised the strategic significance of Holyhead, by our support for the Anglesey Freeport and our support to ensure that the port’s breakwater can be maintained so that the port can remain usable for many decades to come.
‘I am also grateful for the recent assurance from Stena Ports that they remain committed to Holyhead’s long-term future. But I think the time is now right for us to re-evaluate what Holyhead needs from all of its stakeholders over the longer term, to not just survive, but to thrive.'
He added that he wants the task force to consider the resilience of sea connectivity between Wales and Ireland more generally, ‘so that these critical transport links can better withstand the challenges we expect from climate-driven changes in severe weather patterns and other hazards and threats’.
Officials said Mr Skates will announce further details of this task force shortly but expects to invite participation from all major players in the Welsh and Irish ports and ferry industry, local authorities, regional business representatives, logistics bodies and surface transport operators.