A CONTRACT has been signed to mark the beginning of the main construction work of the new Border Control Post at Holyhead.

Vaughan Gething MS, minister for economy, told the Senedd on Tuesday (February 27) that Welsh Government has now signed this contract with the firm Kier Construction.

Kier Construction’s work on the Border Control Post initially began in April 2023 and is due to end next January.

READ MORE:

The Sweet to play Portmeirion shows to celebrate guitarist turning 75

Mr Gething said: “This is needed following the post-Brexit Border Target Operating Model which the UK Government published in August 2023, following agreement with the Welsh and Scottish Governments.

“Holyhead Port is a hugely important link between the UK and Ireland, and currently supports around 700 local jobs on Anglesey.

“Building the Border Control Post will help safeguard those jobs for the future while also creating some estimated 80 more, both during its construction and for the lifetime operation.

“This includes a range of employment opportunities for local people, including as cleaners, security, stevedores, vets, and port health inspectors.”

The new Border Control Post is expected to contribute significantly to the economy, with a commitment to a minimum 40 per cent spend in North Wales across the lifetime of the contract.

This will include the creation of construction jobs and using suppliers from the region, along with upskilling training for pupils at schools and colleges in the area.

Preparatory work also continues on Border Control Posts at Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, with construction work on all three sites expected to be completed by late spring of 2025.

Mr Gething added: “As I have said many times, staying joined-up is the best approach to guaranteeing biosecurity and a long-term future for Welsh ports.

“Welsh Government will continue to press for an approach which works for Wales, while giving businesses and delivery partners sufficient notice to prepare.

“While I have yet to agree the date for implementation of physical checks on imports from Ireland with the UK and Scottish Governments, the signing of this contract clearly demonstrates our commitment to the importance of Holyhead as an ongoing trade route to and from Ireland.

“Implementing border controls presents an additional cost to the Welsh Government.

“In 2024-25, we have made £6.4million of revenue funding available, which includes support for local authorities to prepare for their role in the process of checking documents and physical checks.

“This is in addition to more than £7m which has already been committed by Welsh Government.

“The UK Government has given funding assurance of £47.8m for the construction.

“Coming on top of Welsh Government’s announcement in October 2023 of a £40m package for the refurbishment of the Holyhead Breakwater, the Border Control Post represents a substantial additional infrastructure investment in securing the long-term future of Holyhead Port.”