Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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265. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide financial support to the road haulage sector to compensate for significant losses occasioned by storm damage to Holyhead Port in December 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1563/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Earlier this month my Department received a request for financial support from the Irish Road Haulage Association for hauliers affected by the temporary closure of Holyhead Port. This request is currently under consideration by my Department.

Officials in my Department have written to the Irish Road Haulage Association seeking clarity on a number of points, specifically seeking additional information and documentary evidence of the losses incurred by hauliers as a result of the closure of Holyhead Port. Detailed documentary evidence of actual losses incurred is essential to enable a comprehensive consideration of the request.

In addition to the Department's role in reviewing the request, it should be noted that the decision on any potential scheme would be a matter for Government. Such a scheme would require a Government decision, EU State Aid approval and appropriate budget line funding.

Overall, the partial re-opening of Holyhead Port on 16 January 2025 was a significant and positive milestone, with both Stena and Irish Ferries again sailing between Dublin and Holyhead on a daily basis. This development will also help inform overall considerations in relation to the request for financial supports.