Funding of £20m to restore Holyhead Breakwater announced in Spring Budget

Funding of £20m has been announced by the UK Government to restore Holyhead Breakwater.

The port and town of Holyhead are shielded from the elements by the 1.7 mile 19th century Grade II listed structure, with the rubble used to form its foundations coming from the northern side of Mynydd Tŵr (Holyhead Mountain).

But it was previously warned that its maintenance regime was “unsustainable” and “no longer matches the rate of erosion to its foundations,” and work was needed to prevent the risk of breaches over the next 15 years.

An earlier application by Stena Line stated that: “Without maintenance the loss of the rubble mound would eventually result in the superstructure being undermined and breaches in the breakwater forming, which would expand along the length of the breakwater culminating in total failure.”

UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt today announced in his Spring Budget that £20m will be given to the Welsh Government to fund the work.

Ynys Môn Senedd Member Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Pleased, a week after I highlighted in the Senedd the need for investment in the Holyhead breakwater to see the Chancellor announce £20m funding.

“It’s positive news, but an assessment is now needed on where that leaves the overall situation, because the cost of repairs is much higher than that.”

Welsh Government Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Holyhead Breakwater is an essential part of an asset to the UK as a whole.

“It matters for jobs, growth, green energy, and our connections with the island of Ireland. The progress announced in the Spring Budget is welcome but long overdue.

“This investment is only viable because of the commitments the Welsh Government has already made. I now look forward to seeing the full details behind the announcement.”

North Wales Conservative MS Sam Rowlands said: “Delighted to see £20m funding announced by Jeremy Hunt to restore the Holyhead Breakwater, which will secure our businesses and local communities.

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