Anglesey Council has welcomed plans to setup a new taskforce to secure the future of Holyhead Port.

The UK's second busiest port has been closed to all ships and vehicles since December 7^th due to damage caused to vital berthing infrastructure in the wake of Storm Darragh.

The task force will be led by the Welsh Government's Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, alongside Economy Secretary, Rebecca Evans.

Mr Skates told the Senedd on Tuesday that the group will work with the Irish Ministers for Transport, the UK Government and other key players in the Welsh and Irish ports and ferry industry to ensure the port meets the future needs of both nations.

Stena Line is planning to reopen the Terminal 5 ferry berth - and ferry sailings on the Dublin - Holyhead route next Thursday, pending favourable weather conditions.

Council leader Gary Pritchard said: "We’ve seen in recent weeks how the port’s sudden and unexpected closure over Christmas and New Year - one of the busiest times of year - caused significant disruption to passengers and freight movement."

“The impact on local businesses, who rely on the port, cannot be underestimated and we welcome the opportunity to discuss plans for future resilience and how we can protect the strategic significance of Holyhead Port."

"This new task force will get key stakeholders around the table, and we look forward to co-operating with partners and playing our part in these vital discussions.”

The council has also launched a public survey on how the closure of the port has affected Holyhead and the rest of Anglesey.

Chief executive Dylan J. Williams said: "We are already working closely with Welsh Government to understand the impact that the unplanned closure of Holyhead Port has had upon businesses."

"Whilst the port is fully owned and operated by Stena Line, we want to ensure that the effects of the closure to businesses, in particular in terms of employment, are fully understood."

"To that end, we are...launching an online survey, which I hope, will allow us to gain the evidence needed to draw financial support for affected Welsh businesses."

He added: "In terms of the new task force, the council is fortunate to have a close working relationship with Stena Line, given our existing partnership to deliver the Anglesey Freeport project."

"Input from the Welsh, Irish and UK governments will, of course, also be key to secure the future of Holyhead Port as well as those local jobs which depend upon its continued operation.”