Displaying items by tag: Portsthreat

26th March 2021

Ports in Wales Under threat from Post-Brexit Trade

A Welsh government plan reveals a 50% relative decline in year-to-year volumes at Holyhead port where above Afloat identified at the Salt Island ferry terminal, Irish Ferries Ulysses and Stena Line with their Stena Adventurer.

Ferry ports in Wales is where the nation's government has warned that post-Brexit trading patterns threaten the viability of the country's Irish Sea ports.

Trade flows from Ireland to Welsh ports have collapsed since January.

Irish hauliers are avoiding the ports due to complicated new administration.

The Welsh government has published a plan aimed at simplifying those processes and encouraging the return of Irish freight.

It says: "The urgency of this work has become self-evident.

"Data for Welsh ferry ports volumes in February shows a relative decline of in 'year-to-date volumes' of 50% in Holyhead, and 40% in the south West."

Brexit and the Irish Sea border have affected the ports in two main ways.

Firstly, Irish exporters are sending a lot more goods to the EU on new direct ferry services (incl. Rosslare Europort) to France or Belgium.

About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.