A meeting has been scheduled this morning with hauliers to discuss the massive backlog across the Irish Sea.

This backlog has arisen from the Holyhead Port closure due to Storm Darragh damages.

It has been said the Port will re-open on Thursday, December 19th, but this is now looking unlikely with some hauliers saying it won't be in full operation until after St Partick's Day in March.

The meeting with hauliers follows a decision to grant a temporary relaxation of rules around drivers' hours - which will allow the maximum daily driving limit to rise from 9 hours to 11 until December 27th.

"Nine days later"

The Irish Road Haulage Association spokesperson Eugene Drennan said more needs to be done and he will point this out at the meeting.

"Number one, we will point out how much dithering and dilly-dallying has gone on," he said.

"Number two, it is still slow - the reaction is still slow.

"This is now, what is it? Nine days later.

"We don't know the results of the tests on the extension of the pier in Holyhead and it is very doubtful we'll see it working before Patrick's Day.

"Now, we would also point out to him that the alternatives should be found by now."

"So much cost"

Mr Drennan said transport companies are "absorbing so much cost at the moment" and trying to keep within regulations.

“We're really going around in circles,” he said.

“It is so important to Ireland, because England is still our biggest customer, and we are their biggest customer.

“The port of HolyHead handled 1.6 million passengers last year, and 46 to 47 million tons of freight - this is massive.”

"Plan for the worst"

Department of Transport Ministers will meet with ferry companies today to discuss the ongoing closure.

Junior Minister James Lawless said we “need to plan for the worst” in case the port is unable to re-open as hoped on Thursday.

He said there has been engagement over the weekend to maximise co-operation between all sides - so freight, drivers and passengers can be accommodated in the lead-up to Christmas.

However, Minister Lawless said they need a plan B - and possibly a plan C and D.

"Increase capacity"

“Stenaline has added an extra ship… which will increase capacity on the Dublin to Liverpool route and Irish Ferries have an additional sailing from Rosslare to Fishguard,” he said.

“They've doubled the capacity on their ships.

“But I think they need to do a lot more - so I’ll be making that point to them.”

An Post has received most of the outstanding parcels coming to Ireland from alternative routes.

Almost half a million parcels were held up at Holyhead, however, An Post is now guaranteeing delivery by Friday.

Holyhead Ferry Terminal, Anglesey, North Wales. Pictured in October 2023. Photo: Alamy