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Committee Clerk Enterprise and Business Committee National Assembly for Wales Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA.
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DYLAN J. WILLIAMS BA (Hons), MSc, MA, M.R.T.P.I. Pennaeth Gwasanaeth Dros dro - Datblygu Economaidd Acting Head of Service - Economic Development
CYNGOR SIR YNYS MÔN ISLE OF ANGLESEY COUNTY COUNCIL Canolfan Fusnes Môn • Anglesey Business Centre Parc Busnes Bryn Cefni • Bryn Cefni Business Park LLANGEFNI Ynys Môn • Isle of Anglesey LL77 7XA
ffôn / tel: (01248) 752431/2435 ffacs / fax: (01248) 752192
Gofynnwch am / Please ask for: E-bost / Email: ladpl@anglesey.gov.uk Ein Cyf / Our Ref: DJW/LD/ 812.02 Eich Cyf / Your Ref:
Dyddiad / Date: 28 February 2012
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Dear Sir/ Madam,
The Isle of Anglesey County Council (IACC) welcomes the opportunity to provide comment in the Inquiry into International Connectivity through Welsh Ports and Airports.
As you are aware the Isle of Anglesey County Council is committed to delivering the Energy Island Programme (EIP) which aims to establish the Island as a world renowned centre of excellence for producing, demonstrating and servicing low carbon energy, which in turn will provide a sound base to encourage economic diversification and transition, which will deliver positive benefits over the longer term.
The proposed the Energy Island Enterprise Zones should help Anglesey tocapitalise on the planned investment and growth potential of the low carbon energy sector. Due to the facilities and opportunity for development Holyhead Port has a key role to play in securing the Island’s economic future, in particular by supporting the offshore wind Round 3 zone and in particular the potential development of a new nuclear power station at Wylfa Head.
Forming part of the E22 Euroroute the Port of Holyhead is one of Britain’s most essential ports providing a gateway between the Republic of Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe, and is a major source of direct and indirect employment on Anglesey. The Port is currently primarily used for both passenger and freight ferries, but its extensive harbour and surrounding land provides a number of opportunities for expansion.
The development of the Anglesey Airport has provided significant benefits in reducing the commute to between North and South providing improved business and collaboration opportunities.
The importance of Welsh Ports and Airports cannot be under estimated and have a significant role to play in securing the Country’s future economic growth, whilst supporting local economic prosperity. It is therefore essential that the Welsh Government invest vital resources to support and improve local, regional, national and international connectivity.
For your information I also attach the IACC’s written evidence to the House of Commons Welsh Affair Committee Ports in Wales enquiry (June 2009) which we believe that this is still relevant.
Against this backdrop please find attached the IACC response to the key issues to be considered by the Enterprise and Business Committee. We hope the comments provided will be of value and would welcome the opportunity to discuss any aspect of our response in greater detail.
Yours sincerely,
Dylan J Williams
Acting Head of Service – Economic Development
cc.
Mr. Arthur Owen – Corporate Director – Planning & Environmental Services
Mrs. Sasha W Davies – Energy Island Programme Director
Mr. Dewi Williams – Head of Service – Highways & Transport
Mr. Dewi Roberts – Principal Transport Officer
Cllr. Tony Sharps (Flintshire Council) – TAITH Chair
Cllr. Dylan Jones – IACC TAITH representative
Cllr. Bryan Owen – IACC Leader/ Transport Portfolio Holder
Mr. Alex Aldridge – IACC Commissioner
Mr. Dave Heggarty – Head of Regeneration – Flintshire County Council
Mr. Jamie Christon – Stena Line Ports Ltd
Mr. David Buck – Manx 2
What role do the Welsh Government and local authorities play in facilitating the development of Welsh ports and airports?
In delivering the Regional Transport Plan, the Regional Transport Consortia aim to progress schemes to improve transport facilities. The roles and activities which the Isle of Anglesey County Council (IACC) undertakes to support and facilitate the development of the Port of Holyhead can be summarised as:
· Enhancing the operational capability of Holyhead Port in order that the facility can be of mutual benefit in delivering the Energy Island Programme, including thepotential new nuclear build at Wylfa Head and development of offshore wind Round 3 zone;
· The Strategic Transport Study and Position Statement for Major Developments produced by the IACC in 2011 places a high emphasis on the use of ports to facilitate the construction and operation of major developments;
· Project lead in delivering the EU Interreg funded ‘Celtic Wave’ project which aims to improve the profile of several Irish Sea Cruise Ports as cruise tourism destination. The IACC are currently developing the second phase of the project and the Welsh Government’s on-going support would be invaluable.
· Facilitating the development of cruise facilities within the port with the aim of increasing the region’s status within the cruise market.
It is the view of the IACC that the Welsh Government’s role in the development of the Port of Holyhead is:
· To create a holistic Port Development Policy/ Strategy for Wales to ensure the economic potential of Ports are maximised;
· To support the delivery of the National Transport Plan for Wales to look at enhancing the international connectivity from Cardiff Airport and to exploit fully the potential of our ports;
· To collaborate to improve the sustainability of freight transport;
· Administer the Freight Facilities Grants which provides significant opportunity to assist with the provision of rail-freight terminals in the region’s ports.
Roles and activities which the Isle of Anglesey County Council (IACC) undertakes to support and facilitate the development of the Anglesey Airport can be summarised as:
· To manage the contract for running and managing the terminal building and car park;
· To maintain the ongoing commitment between this the IACC and Welsh Government to facilitate the operation of the Anglesey – Cardiff air link;
It is the view of the IACC that the Welsh Government’s role in the development of the Anglesey Airport is:
· To continue to support andsubsidisethe Cardiff-Valley air link;
· To further develop Cardiff airport and encourage/ promote its utilisation for onward travel bypassengers from Valley;
· To continue to support improvement to international connectivity in terms of access to and from business markets throughout the world;
· To ensure that there are a range of facilities in Wales that will reduce the need to travel to airports outside Wales.
To summarise the IACC are committed to maximizing the role of Holyhead as a key UK international gateway and securing improvements to connectivity in terms of internal and external links through Anglesey Airport.
What factors have contributed to the decline in business through Cardiff Airport?
From an IACC perspective the issues which have contributed to the decline of business through Cardiff Airport can be summarised as:
· Inadequate transport links between Cardiff Airport and Cardiff City Centre;
· The facilities at Cardiff Airport may not have kept pace with its nearest located airport (Bristol) reducing its attractiveness to air carriers and passengers.
· The reduction in the range of destinations served by Cardiff through the loss of specific carriers and routes has reduced the competitiveness of Cardiff as an international airport. Having a reduced range of flights will have had a knock on effect for short haul flights that can be used to transfer to longer haul flights;
· The increases in flight taxes particularly on international flights may have reduced overall passenger figures for all airports;
· The growth in stay at home (UK) holidays;
In addition it would be reasonable to assume that the economic downturn has also reduced usage of the Intra-Wales air service. The collapse of Highland Airways in 2010 resulted in a 5 week break with many passengers not having returned to the service.
How effectively does Welsh Government policy, primarily in the areas of transport, economic development, and land use planning policy, support the development of Welsh ports and airports?
At present there is limited synergy and alignment between Welsh Government transport policy, economic development policy, infrastructure priorities and delivery plans.
Although Ports policy is reserved to the UK Government the National Policy Statement for Ports notes that the Welsh Government is responsible for many related functions, including transport and land-use planning. It is therefore essential that any development applications relating to Wales adhere to Welsh Government Policies including the Wales Spatial Plan, the Wales Transport Strategy, the National Transport Plan and Regional Transport Plans.
The effectiveness of synergy and collaboration is clearly highlighted following the Welsh Government announcement that Enterprise Zones were to be developed in Wales, with the IACC, WG and key partners working collaboratively to develop the Energy Island Enterprise Zone (EZ) proposal. The development model of the EZs clearly has the potential to provide the synergy between the policy areas detailed above.
How can the Welsh Government develop economic opportunities, for example from tourism, international trade, freight and, in the case of ports, opportunities including the energy and renewable energy industries? What role do ports and airports, particularly Cardiff Airport, play in the key sectors identified by the Welsh Government?
The Welsh Government’s commitment to developing the Energy Island Enterprise Zone is a significant opportunity to capitalise on the planned investment and growth potential of the low carbon energy sector on Anglesey. The EZ designation provides additional levers and builds on the Energy Island Programme, which together will balance and grow the Anglesey economy, make a major contribution to the emerging energy and environment sector plan and Programme for Government.
Holyhead Port has been identified within the draft prospectus as appropriate for EZ development. The deep water port facilities and surrounding premises and development plots provide a number of opportunities to take advantage of the potential investment in the offshore wind Round 3 zone, existing supply chain firms role in offshore renewable market and the proposed new nuclear build at Wylfa Head.
However in order tocapitaliseon the significant opportunities afforded by delivery of the Energy Island Programme and the Energy Island Enterprise Zone it is essential that the Welsh Government clearly illustrates the development policy, delivery plan, roles and responsibilities.
In addition therecognition of Welsh Ports as a key priority in post 2013 structure fund programmes is essential. The proposed €50bn Connecting Europe facility to improve Europe’s transport, energy and digital networks provides significant opportunity to maximise the economic development opportunities associated with he Region’s transport infrastructure, including Ports and Airport.
The Europe Connect mechanisms must also be capitalised on fully.
How effective is Welsh transport infrastructure and interconnectivity in supporting the development of Welsh ports and airports?
The IACC believes that interconnectivity is key to supporting the development of Holyhead Port and Anglesey Airport. The following areas require improvement/ further consideration should funding be available:
Holyhead Port
· A link between the end of the A55 (the Western end of the E22 European motorway network linking the ferry route through Holyhead, to Russia, via the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Latvia) and the port;
· Capacity issues on Britannia Bridge (this is the only non dual carriageway section of the E22 from its start at Holyhead). The bridge is subject to regular congestion problems at peak hours and at times of the day when ferry traffic reaches this pinch point;
· Replacement of the roundabouts at Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr with grade separated junctions. (In addition there are other issues that need addressing in North East Wales particularly in the Queensferry area that would improve the journey times from Holyhead Port to the M56 motorway).
· Whilst rail passenger services to Holyhead are at least hourly, the majority of the journeys would benefit from reduced journey times, achieved through increasing line speeds, and changes to the stopping pattern. Providing additional stopping services would allow longer distance trains to omit calling at smaller stations. The high speed trains used on services to London are capable of speeds of 125mph, but many sections of the North Wales Coast Line are restricted to 75mph, with the fastest sections limited to 90mph. Britannia Bridge is also the only single line section of the route.
· Holyhead Port currently has no facilities for rail freight although until 1991 the port had an intensively used rail freight container terminal. The development of facilities to allow the transfer of freight from road to rail is a key requirement of ensuring Holyhead Port remains competitive and sustainable.
Anglesey Airport
· The road link to Anglesey Airport has seen some improvements over the past two years, which has resulted in the route being more suitable for the buses used on the service which operate via the airport. Further improvements are planned subject to availability of Regional Transport Plan funding, which would result in the link to signed route from the A55 to the airport being changed from junction 4 to junction 3, providing a route free of obstruction from parked cars to Anglesey Airport.
The IACC understands that there are plans to develop a Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan to identify developments that are critical for port/ airport development and request that Local Authorities are fully involved in the plans development from the onset.
Given that ports and airports policy is a reserved matter, how effectively does the Welsh Government engage with the UK Government in the interests of Wales?
The Welsh Government has a vital role in promoting the interest of Wales whilst engaging with the UK Government, but due to the non-devolved status of Ports policy the IACC is concerned that National Ports policy is being focused on England. As a result there have been examples over recent years where the reluctance on behalf of both parties to accept responsibility has resulted in the loss of a rail service. The most recent example concerns the loss of a night boat train from Holyhead which had initially been part of a franchise which predated the current all Wales Rail Franchise. The journey was not included in the all Wales Rail Franchise as it was being provided by the operator of the West Coast Trains Franchise on behalf of Virgin Trains, however, due to other changes to the Virgin Trains services, the company no longer provided the night boat train and was not contractually bound to provide it as it was not included within the franchise. As a result of this, neither the Welsh Assembly Government at the time or the DfT would accept any liability for the loss of this service as a result of a lack of foresight in ensuring the journey was part of one of the franchises.
What impact do EU State Aid regulations have on the ability of the Welsh Government to provide support, and what opportunities are presented by EU ports and airports policy to support development in Wales?
There is currently a lack of clarity as to whether or how EU State Aid regulations impact on ports and airports investment, and has served to complicate/ constrain some port infrastructure improvement plans.
Given that Holyhead Port as a gateway port between Continental Europe, the UK and the Republic of Ireland, is located on the two EU TEN-T priority axes (13 and 26), this should result in opportunities for state aid to be drawn down for improving the infrastructure of the corridor and the port. Ensuring that all member states have equal access to fund on the same basis is imperative, if we are to ensure that Wales maximises the opportunity for state aid.
The road and rail corridors linking Holyhead to the European motorway network and to the West Coast Main Railway Line would be eligible for TEN-T funding, but the relatively low intervention rate would require significant match funding to be sought. Given that the most likely source of match funding opportunities would be through EU Convergence funding, and that one EU grant could not be used to match another EU grant, the securing of sufficient funds to carry out major projects is difficult. To secure EU funding, it is vital for the Welsh Government to allocate sufficient internal funding to transport infrastructure projects to allow EU funding to be drawn down to enable strategic projects to be delivered. The IACC is eager to continue to collaborate with the Welsh Government on the development of a strong proposal/ outcome driven business case to secure Europe Connect funding to improve the A55/ TEN-T transport corridor across North Wales.
The current State Aid regulations covering the operation of Public Service Obligation (PSO) air routes do enable the Anglesey – Cardiff service to be provided, which is welcomed. However, expanding routes from Anglesey to locations outside Wales without State Aid is difficult and carriers are unlikely to initiate services as a purely commercial venture. Making available State Aid to assist in the market testing of new routes would be a welcome addition to the current funding opportunities.
Ports in Wales - Written evidence from the Isle of Anglesey County Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Anglesey faces serious economic challenges, and local deprivation is concentrated around its port areas. Holyhead port is a critical generator of jobs and income for the local economy. Government should support projects which will safeguard this, and more effectively exploit and develop the port's potential and contribution to the local economy. Key projects in this respect include the proposed cruise ship terminal, the planned direct road link between the port and A55, and the need for a lorry park facility. The extensive harbour has many uses with scope for more, and the waterfront area is subject to ambitious development plans.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Anglesey County Council welcomes the Welsh Affairs Committee's decision to hold an inquiry into the issue of Ports in Wales. Anglesey has a number of ports and harbours located around our coastline, but most of our evidence inevitably relates to the port of Holyhead due to its size and status.
2. ECONOMIC CONTEXT
2.1 Anglesey faces a number of significant economic challenges, and now has the highest unemployment rate of any county in North Wales. The Island has seen the erosion of its industrial base in recent years. This will be added to by the closure of Eaton Electrical in late 2009, and a decision on the future of Anglesey Aluminium is expected shortly, both in Holyhead.
2.2 There is generally a correlation between economic prosperity and proximity to the mainland. The Island's socio-economic problems are particularly severe in the wards surrounding the port of Holyhead, and also that of Amlwch Port. Of the 10 LSOA's on Anglesey with the highest unemployment rates, seven are in Holyhead, and one is in Amlwch Port. These areas account for five of Anglesey's six Communities First wards.
2.3 It is important that government encourages and supports plans to more effectively develop the economic potential of ports, especially in areas of high socio-economic need such as Anglesey.
3. PORTS AND HARBOURS OF ANGLESEY
3.1 Holyhead
Holyhead is a major strategic port of great importance as a link between the UK and Irish Republic, and it is dealt with in detail in the remainder of this report.
3.2 Amlwch
The narrow harbour of Amlwch was originally developed to serve the copper industry. During the late 1970s it was improved to serve the needs of oil importation from tankers, for transfer to the nearby Rhosgoch tank farm, and from there via pipeline to Stanlow in Cheshire, but this operation was short-lived. The nearby Great Lakes (previously Octel) bromine works was the town's major employer—it has now closed, but there are plans by gas company Canatxx to use it to land and refine Irish Sea gas. The main users of Amlwch harbour today are private leisure craft, boat excursion operators, and commercial fishing boats. The harbour also provides a base for pilot vessels of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, assisting large ships travelling to Liverpool. There are plans to develop the historic harbour area as a tourist destination. Anglesey County Council is the local harbour authority.
3.3 Beaumaris
Although historically a port, Beaumaris now lacks a sheltered harbour. Current facilities include a leisure pier, moorings, and a boatyard, which are used by private leisure craft and by tourist or fishing boat excursion operators. A proposal for a new marina has recently been thwarted due to opposition by mussel fishermen and related agencies, and the decision has thrown in doubt the legality of some 400 Menai Straits moorings.
3.4 Menai Bridge
The modern pontoon pier is used by research vessels of the nearby University of Wales Marine Science department, and by some leisure and small commercial craft. As in Beamaris, the pier and moorings are owned and managed by the County Council.
3.5 Cemaes
There is a small sheltered harbour in Cemaes which was built to serve the needs of local past industry. It is now used by leisure craft and a small number of fishing boats and charter boat operators. The harbour is owned and managed by local trustees.
3.6 Other Harbours
There are various small-scale jetties, slipways, and other maritime facilities around the Anglesey coast, mostly related to leisure craft usage.
4. HOLYHEAD PORT
4.1 Holyhead's Harbours
Holyhead's use as a harbour dates back to Roman times. Its development as a major port was linked to the building of the A5, the extension of the railway from Chester, and the Admiralty's decision to create a large harbour of refuge. Holyhead's role as a strategic transport node has been reinforced by the building of the A55 dual carriageway from Chester, part of a designated Euroroute (E22). Recent port infrastructure developments have beenfocussed on the East Dock side of the Inner Harbour, and on Salt Island from where deeper water can be reached.
4.2 Port Employment
Holyhead Port is one of Anglesey's major employers, providing approximately 900 jobs. Stena accounts for well over half of these, with the remainder being in Irish Ferries, port service companies, transport and other businesses, together with some public sector staff in the port police and customs. Stena has sited some of its UK-wide service and support operations locally. Given other job losses, it is essential that government supports port employment.
4.3 Ferry Services
Holyhead is the busiest ferry port in Wales, handling about 2.3 million passenger movements each year. There are two ferry companies operating a total of five ferry vessels, and both have invested heavily in developing new berths and port related facilities. The ferries carry foot passengers, cars, coaches, and lorries, varying by vessel. Foot passenger numbers has declined in recent years, but the number of lorries using the ferries has increased very significantly.
4.4 Sea Freight
The bulk of sea freight activity via Holyhead involves lorries using the ferries to transport goods to and from Ireland. (There used to be a sea container facility on the East Dock, but the company withdrew and the site was later redeveloped for ferry uses). Other significant freight operations involve the import of fuel to the port and of aluminium ore to Anglesey Aluminium, and the export of aluminium ingots. The ore is landed on a purpose-built jetty, and is transported via underground conveyer to the smelter (the possibility of also using this to import wood chip for a power station is now being considered). There are other occasional freight uses, e.g. the export of stone for marine works. It is hoped that storage and distribution facilities and related jobs can be attracted to the new Parc Cybi business park.
4.5 Port—A55 Link
4.5.1 The growth in ferry traffic, especially lorry numbers, has led to stresses on the transport network. Problems occur at the Britannia Bridge, and in some other locations along the North Wales coast. A particular problem for Holyhead is the "missing link" between the port and the A55 dual carriageway. The access to and from the port for road traffic needs to be improved to avoid conflict with local traffic, and to reduce congestion, especially for traffic exiting the port.
4.5.2 A scheme has been prepared to address this by creating new direct road link between the port and A55 Junction 1. This will require the relocation of the existing railway depot from near the town centre, and it is proposed to relocate this to land adjacent to Anglesey Aluminium. With support and funding from WAG, Anglesey County Council have been working for several years to plan and design up this project, which now has a cost of about £20 million. A bid for EU Convergence funding has been made, and it is vital that funding is provided to allow the scheme to proceed.
4.6 Lorry Park
Due to the volume of freight traffic using the A55, there is a need for a suitable truck stop/service area for lorries. Drivers are now forced to use normal roadside lay-bys to stop and rest to achieve their mandatory breaks, which have resulted in environmental and other problems in those locations as there are no facilities.
A lorry park would address this problem and could generate local economic benefits.
4.7 Environmental Impact
There are inevitably somelocalisedenvironmental impacts due to port operations and traffic. The London Road ward has the worst scoring on Anglesey in terms of the WIMD 2008 health indicator. It is expected that pollution levels in local residential areas will be reduced if the rail depot is relocated, and if lorries can access the A55 directly without having to queue slowly over Black Bridge.
4.8 Port and Rail
About 0.5 million people use Holyhead station each year, most being ferry users. Ferry and train times are reasonably well timed, but the locality benefits from some delay. The Town Council operates a left luggage facility to encourage ferry/rail users to visit the town rather than wait in the terminal. The railway station has seen some limited improvement works, but is clearly in need of a significant physical upgrade, including updated signage and information for passengers.
4.9 Rail Freight
There are currently no rail freight facilities at the port of Holyhead. The North Wales Rail Strategy Study includes the option of a rail freight terminal at Holyhead, which should reduce the large number of heavy lorries that now operate along the A55. The North Wales railway line is not currently used by container traffic, and there are gauging and terminal issues to overcome. A rail gauge upgrade is a possible long-term option.
4.10 Cruise Ships
4.10.1 About 5-10 cruise ships have been calling into Holyhead each year, most carrying a few hundred passengers, but there have been several calls by larger ships with around 2,000 passengers. Most cruise passengers tend to go on day or half-day coach excursions, and the cruise ship companies receive much of their income from these.
4.10.2 Typically 25% of passengers from large ships will not go on coach excursions and will walk around the town or visit other places by taxi. Many crew members will also come ashore and spend in local shops. The County Council has arranged events in the town centre on large cruise ship call days. Related initiatives have included customer care courses for taxi drivers, training local "green badge" tourist guides, and arranging short local excursions.
4.10.3 The Cruise Wales partnership aims to develop Wales' potential as a cruise destination. Economic studies have been undertaken to measure the economic impact of cruise calls and predict how this is likely to increase in the future. Anglesey County Council is an active member, and will lead the EU Interreg funded "Celtic Wave" joint marketing project for several Irish Sea cruise ports.
4.10.4 Smaller cruise ships berth alongside in the Inner Harbour, but larger cruise ships must anchor outside the port and transport their passengers ashore via small tenders. This is very time consuming and risky. Several large cruise ships have cancelled the landing of passengers using tenders due to conditions on the day being unsuitable. Most cruise lines have now decided to avoid tendering in. The development of an alongside cruise berth is therefore essential to ensure that Holyhead attracts cruise ships in the future, and we are most anxious that this project receives full government support.
4.11 Marine Leisure
The 24-hour outer harbour is well used for marine leisure activities, and there is space and potential for further usage. The local sailing club has a large membership and manages yacht moorings. A private yachting marina has been established which now has a blue flag and about 200 berths, together with an onshore development of commercial units and apartments.
4.12 Tourism
The port makes a significant contribution to tourism in Wales and Ireland. Efforts have been made to increase the level of ferry passenger spend on Anglesey by providing visitor information on the HSS ferry, in A55 lay-bys, and at the ferry terminal, and further marketing initiatives are planned. Holyhead benefits from spends by tourists who are en-route to or from Ireland, and local guest houses rely on ferry users for much of their business. A budget hotel has recently been built, and there is further hotel interest.
4.13 Local Spend by Ferry Users
Ferry users generate a significant level of spend in Anglesey service sector businesses in Holyhead town centre, Holyhead retail park, and other places along or near the A55. The relocation of the port access from the west to the east side of the harbour during the early 1990s adversely impacted on spend in the town centre, and the planned new port access road link scheme on the west side should see many more car and coach-based ferry users stopping and spending in the town.
4.14 Ferry Timings
Ferry frequencies and timings have a significant impact on how many ferry passengers visit the town and how much they spend. Timings are currently not as favourable as they used to be for return day trips between Wales and Ireland. Ferry delays or cancellations can result in a significant influx of passengers into the town.
4.15 Port Heritage
The port includes a large number of historic buildings and structures, many of which are listed as being of historic interest, and a study has been undertaken in conjunction with Cadw. The care of these buildings and structures largely fall on Stena Ports Ltd as port authority. An excellent Maritime Museum is operated by local volunteers in a building leased from Stena, and there are plans for a large expansion to show more of the many artifacts.
4.16 Other Port and Harbour Users
There are very many other users of the port and harbour. These include the RNLI, RAF, Customs, Navy, visiting ships, survey vessels, Sea Scouts, small boating associations, leisure divers, outdoor pursuits operators, among others.
4.17 Holyhead Breakwater
The 1.5 mile long breakwater is a dramatic historic structure which forms the large Outer Harbour, dating back to the early 1800s. The structure is now in need of a major strengthening and restoration scheme. Without these works, the breakwater is in danger of partial collapse. It is hoped that the scheme will also provide for leisure and amenity use of the structure.
4.18 Port and Regeneration
Recent urban regeneration works by the County Council have targeted run-down areas facing the port, and further works are planned. These schemes will integrate with the planned Port Access Road scheme. The recently built Celtic Gateway bridge provides an easy and DDA compliant link between the town centre and foot passenger ferry terminal/railway station, and is also well used by Morawelon area residents. Stena is an active partner in the local regeneration partnership and related initiatives.
4.19 Waterfront Potential
Holyhead's extensive waterfront has been recognised as a key asset for the future regeneration of the town. Port owner Stena has formed a joint venture property development company with London based developers Conygar, and plans for an ambitious mixed-use development for part of the Outer Harbour waterfront are in preparation.
4.20 Offshore Developments
Holyhead is well sited to be a base for servicing offshore developments, and large drilling rigs are sometimes seen in the harbour. Further windfarms are expected in the Irish Sea, together with marine turbines. There are currently constraints in terms of uses that would require very large areas of portside standage.
4.21 Marine Industry
The closure of the Marine Yard in the 1980s was a severe blow, but its tradition continues on a smaller scale. Holyhead Boatyard employs about 60, involved in specialist boatbuilding and repairs, but also in many shipping and overseas activities. There are also many other smaller marine businesses in and around the harbour, and this sector clearly deserves to be encouraged and assisted to grow.
4.22 Fishing Industry
Holyhead is North Wales' most important commercial fishing port. It is a base for small inshore vessels, but also sees calls by larger trawlers. Almost all fish landings (c£3 million per annum by value) are transported direct for sale outside Wales. The DEFRA Fisheries office for North/Mid Wales and the North Wales Fishermen's Association are both based in Holyhead. There are several facilities for fishing boats, including a Council managed Fish Dock, and EU fisheries funding is available for related works.
4.23 Port Authority
The statutory port authority is Stena Ports Ltd, a port management company which is part of the international Stena group. Although a private company, the functions of Stena Ports Ltd reflect those of a public sector authority in many respects. The port authority's status as a privately owned company has constrained the availability of public funding to some important projects due to funders concerns and uncertainty about EU state aid regulations.
June 2009