THE Holyhead Breakwater is to receive £20million in funding as part of the Spring Budget announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt today.

Mr Hunt said £20million had been earmarked for the crucial piece of national infrastructure, which will help restore it.

It is also a crucial step towards the Anglesey Freeport project, a status that grants ports customs and tax benefits in an effort to reduce barriers to trade.

Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie, who has helped lead the freeport project, said she was ‘delighted’ that funding had been granted.

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She said the announcement showed how committed the UK government was to improving Anglesey.

“I am delighted the UK Government has used this year’s budget to confirm it will contribute to the refurbishment of Holyhead Breakwater,” said Mrs Crosbie.

“Holyhead port is not just a major local employer but is a critical part of the Europe – UK – Ireland freight and passenger transport network.

“It is a critical part of the UK’s transport infrastructure and in need of repair. 

“When I began working on the Anglesey Freeport project in 2020 it was clear the degradation of the breakwater was a significant issue for the long-term viability of the port and Ynys Môn as a whole.

“If the breakwater failed that could mean no freeport investment or levelling up project, like the BP Mona offshore wind farm project, would come to the island.”

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Mrs Crosbie said she had raised the matter regionally and nationally - with both the Welsh and UK Governments. 

She added that the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the breakwater rests with Stena Ports as the owner, Anglesey Council as the local authority and Welsh Government as the devolved authority.

“However, they were all unable or unwilling to meet the full cost of the essential refurbishment work needed,” said Mrs Crosbie.

“But the UK government has been persuaded in private talks with me that it should contribute to this critical programme of work.

“I do not believe this island can receive any greater assurance that the UK Government understands our unique position and is fully committed to the long term success of Anglesey than this crucial investment.”

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MS for North Wales Sam Rowlands welcomed restoration funding for the Holyhead Breakwater, and said: “Funding to restore the Holyhead Breakwater will secure our local communities and local businesses for years to come.

“Credit must go to the hard-working local MP for Ynys Môn, Virginia Crosbie, who has worked to make this happen.

“Today’s announcement will be huge for the people of Anglesey, and continues to show the UK Government’s ambition for North Wales.”