Stena Line has announced that it is in the process of contacting all affected passengers and is offering alternative travel options. “We understand the disruption this causes and are working hard to provide alternatives,” the company stated.

Passengers with bookings on Dublin-Holyhead sailings from December 20 onward can transfer their reservations free of charge, with no additional fare required for alternative routes.

Irish Ferries has also announced that its Holyhead/Dublin sailings will be cancelled until January 15, 2025, and is reaching out to customers with alternative options, including the Pembroke/Rosslare route.

The closure of Holyhead Port Is causing significant disruption, as it handles 60% of freight into Ireland. Shane Mann, CEO of Tranzaura, a transport technology company based in Limerick, explained, “Taking 60% out of any system creates major problems. Given the time of year, finding extra capacity to resolve this issue is a massive challenge.”

The port closure Is especially concerning for businesses and postal services, as the backlog of shipments poses a serious challenge in the lead-up to Christmas. The damage caused by Storm Darragh to Holyhead Port is believed to be more severe than initially thought, with fears that ferry services could be suspended well into the Christmas period, potentially delaying parcels traveling to and from Ireland.

Taoiseach Simon Harris stated on Monday that the full extent of the damage is becoming increasingly apparent.