An additional daily ferry service between Dublin and Pembroke in Wales has been announced.
From 7 January, the Irish Ferries vessel Isle of Innisfree will operate on the route in addition to the James Joyce, which currently sails between the ports twice a day.
The Isle of Innisfree will accommodate passenger cars and accompanied freight.
The announcement comes after damage caused by Storm Darragh forced Holyhead ferry port to close over the Christmas period.
Part of the Holyhead ferry port is on course to reopen on 16 January, according to Stena Line.
The Department of Transport welcomed the announcement from Irish Ferries and the Port of Milford Haven in Wales in a statement, saying the development was a “testament to the agility and responsiveness of stakeholders in the freight, supply chain, ports and maritime sectors.”
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “This is good news for both passengers and freight carriers travelling between Ireland and the UK.
“I would like to thank the Port of Milford Haven, the Welsh and UK Governments, Irish Ferries and all stakeholders for working together to secure alternative routes between our two countries while we wait to hear further about the situation at Holyhead.”
Mr Ryan stressed that the additional service was a result of a “real team effort on both sides of the Irish Sea.”
Minister of State James Lawless said that people across the industry “pulled together to avoid a potential crisis.”
“I would like to pay tribute to all of them and assure them that we truly appreciate their hard work and great efforts,” he added.
“It is great news that the latest alternative route has now been secured.
“But we in the Department and at government level will continue to work with the industry partners around the clock to ensure we passage through this difficult time safely.”
