The leader for Anglesey Council has called for businesses affected by the Holyhead Port closure to get financial support 'now.

Gary Pritchard was responding to the Senedd committee's initial findings on the closure, which found the value of trade through the port had fallen by nearly half-a-billion pounds as a result.

The report, which is critical of the Welsh Government's response to the closure, following Storm Darragh, recommends a decision on what support it will provide to affected businesses in the area.

According to Anglesey Council, footfall in the Holyhead area fell by 36% in December 2024 and 33% in January 2025 compared to the same period the year before.

Cllr Pritchard welcomed the report saying: "Our own Holyhead Port closure impact survey undertaken in January has helped us understand the effects on local businesses. Some have been severely affected and are in dire need of financial support now."

"Many businesses are reliant on the footfall ferry traffic creates and some reported that trade was down 90%. Others incurred loses of tens of thousands of pounds and a fear still exists that less confidence in the viability and resilience of the port."

"These businesses have waited long enough for financial support and we will be asking the Welsh Government for funding in light of the important evidence gathered."

Last week, the Welsh Government's transport and economy ministers, Ken Skates and Rebecca Evans, met with Irish transport minister Seán Canney in Gaerwen for the first meeting of a taskforce set up to improve connections between the two nations via the Irish Sea.

Dylan J Williams, chief executive of Anglesey Council, added: "Holyhead Port is of international economic importance. It is a valuable socio-economic driver for the town of Holyhead, but also a key trade connection between Wales, Ireland and the rest of Europe."

"Its future resilience is key to maintaining the vital trade route that exists between Dublin and Holyhead."

"We're also pleased to see the Welsh task force up and running and look forward to strengthening working relationships with our partners to support its endeavours over the coming months."

"Securing the long-term resilience of Holyhead Port will add value as we work towards enhancing both local and international trade in the future."