Holyhead port will partially reopen on Thursday, January 16, following its closure due to damage during Storm Darragh last month.

Terminal 5 is on target to reopen on this date, with berthing trials to take place over the coming days so that ferry services can resume.

Ferry operators have adjusted schedules so that there will be up to eight daily sailings, ensuring no loss of usual capacity on the Dublin-Holyhead route. Once Terminal 5 is back in operation, the focus will turn to restoring Terminal 3.

Ferry services were re-directed and alternative ports have been used for the last number of weeks following the closure of the link between north Wales and Ireland.

Taoiseach Simon Harris spoke with First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan about the ongoing impact and said the collaboration has been "significant".

The Taoiseach said that those travelling home for Christmas were able to do so, and that essential supply chains continued to operate.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has stated that it has been in regular contact with stakeholders since the closure began, including holding a "constructive exchange" with freight and supply chain stakeholders on January 9.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister of State James Lawless welcomed progress towards the reopening of Holyhead Port.

Minister Ryan said: “I pay tribute to all, on both sides of the Irish Sea, who have worked with great diligence and commitment to restore this vital connection between our islands.”

Minister Lawless said: “I thank all involved in this process for their constructive and collaborative approach, which has ensured that essential supply chains have been maintained during this challenging time.”

The ministers also noted that the impact of and response to the closure of Holyhead Port over the Christmas period will be reviewed internally by the department.

This will be in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office, and the learning will be fed into the ongoing review of the National Ports Policy.