RHUN ap Iorwerth, the Ynys Môn MS, will meet with Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford, to discuss the investment and support needed to unleash the potential at Holyhead’s port.

During questions to the First Minister this week, Mr ap Iorwerth took the opportunity to invite Mr Drakeford to Holyhead port to see for himself what investment is needed to ensure that the port’s ‘future can be a bright one for Holyhead’.

Mr ap Iorwerth stressed that Welsh Government must continue to urge the Irish Government to remember the importance, and to promote the direct crossings from Ireland to Wales, through Holyhead – the busiest port in Wales – following the publication of a map by the Irish Government last week celebrating the opening of 44 crossings from Ireland to the European continent.

In his question to the First Minister, Mr ap Iorwerth said: “As the impact of Brexit continues to cause major challenges in Holyhead, there are also major opportunities - new opportunities that we could be pursuing, and the most important of those are opportunities to develop Holyhead as the port to service the next development in wind energy in the Irish Sea.

“And in that context, may I invite the First Minister to visit the port of Holyhead to see for himself what investment needs to be secured in that port as soon as possible to ensure that, whatever challenges we face now, the future can be a bright one for Holyhead and the workers there?”

In his response, the First Minister confirmed that Welsh Government has a major meeting later this week with ministers from the Irish Government, where they will discuss opportunities and the potential for both countries from working collaboratively.

In his response to Mr ap Iorwerth’s question, Mr Drakeford said: “I am aware, of course, of the challenges facing the port of Holyhead. I would be more than happy to return to Holyhead once again to speak to people there.

“I agree, and I've read an article by the member this week also, which focused on the opportunities that exist in Holyhead in the context of renewable energy – wind energy – and using the port to help us to create that green economy that we want to see here in Wales.

“And I'd be more than happy, when the opportunity arises, to come to Holyhead and to discuss the possibilities available.”