A WELSH government minister has praised the multi-agencies involved in the clean up operation at Holyhead marina.

Cabinet Secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs Lesley Griffiths has today (Tuesday) thanked them for their "tireless work" and for "significant progress" made to date.

The clean-up operation got underway immediately after the marina was badly damaged in last month’s extreme weather and by Storm Emma.

An estimated 30.9 tonnes (916.5m3) of polystyrene and an estimated 2752 litres of oil has since been recovered from the marina.

The salvage operation is also progressing, with 28 vessels recovered from the shore and sea bed. It is hoped this work will be completed within four weeks.

Outside of the Holyhead harbour authority area, more than four tonnes of polystyrene has also been collected from Anglesey beaches.

A control and co-ordination group was established to organise and help with the clean up and salvage.

Responsibility includes a clean up operation within the Port Authority boundaries of Stena Port, a wider clean-up outside the port authority, including the Isle of Anglesey County Council and other local authorities, vessel salvage operation at Holyhead Marina and Stena Port, advice on waste management plans through Natural Resources Wales and technical assistance from the Marine and Coastguard Agency.

Welsh Government officials are also providing advice on fisheries related matters.

The Cabinet Secretary visited the marina days after the disaster and has been receiving daily updates on its progress.

The Cabinet Secretary said: "There is no doubt that the damage to Holyhead Marina has been disastrous for all the businesses and individuals affected.

"There has also been a significant environmental impact with debris and polystyrene entering the water.

“From day one, agencies have been working tirelessly on the clean up operation and I want to thank them for their hard work and efforts.

"I saw first-hand the damage when I visited the Marina a few days after the storm and I have since been having daily updates from all the agencies involved.

"Thanks to the hard work of all agencies involved, significant progress has been made with the clean up operation with a great deal of polystyrene and oil recovered.

"This work will continue and I hope this provides some reassurance to the community that every effort is being made to restore the marina and its local environment."