An Post has addressed concerns that interruption to ferry traffic due to storm damage could result in gifts and other parcels from Europe and the UK not arriving in time for Christmas.
Crossings between Dublin and Holyhead were cancelled after Storm Darragh damaged infrastructure at the Welsh port. They have yet to resume and it’s believed that there is a back-up of Christmas-related parcels in Holyhead.
The Irish Road Haulage Association has warned of long delays on both sides of the Irish Sea when the port does eventually reopen to marine traffic, and the Irish Exporters Association has also expressed concerns.
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However, An Post has moved to quell fears that presents and other goods may not arrive in time for Christmas Day, promising to be ready for the parcels from Holyhead when they arrive in Ireland.
It also said hauliers had been diverting to other routes such as Rosslare Europort in a bid to avoid the logjam at Holyhead.
“We’ll be ready for the Holyhead parcels when they arrive over the weekend – so we can get them through and out on delivery ASAP,” said a spokesperson for An Post.
“We invested €6 million in expanding our parcel tech and capacity in Portlaoise and Athlone hubs this year, and we have 1,400 Christmas casuals helping to process and deliver parcels and letters too,” they added.
However, An Post is advising people not to wait until the last minute to posts cards and parcels this Christmas.
“There will be nationwide parcel deliveries this week and post offices will be open all day on Saturday,” said the spokesperson.
“We’re seeing huge volumes of Christmas cards being posted in the last few days, particularly to family and friends abroad. The latest date for guaranteed parcel delivery across Europe is today, and next Tuesday for cards.”
Wednesday, December 18 is the latest posting date to ensure that parcels and cards are delivered to all parts of England, Scotland and Wales in time for Christmas, they added.
Storm Darragh caused an incident at Holyhead last Saturday, resulting in port infrastructure being damaged. It has remained closed to marine traffic since then as a result. No injuries were reported.
The process of assessing the damage was delayed due to poor weather conditions. It is hoped that the port may reopen this evening.
Meanwhile, a backlog has been building on both sides of the Irish Sea, raising concerns that supply chains could be affected this Christmas. A large volume of Christmas-related items is believed to be among the cargo in Holyhead.
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