The crisis, caused by a combination of severe weather, technical issues, and the prolonged closure of Holyhead port, is putting immense pressure on supply chains and leaving many drivers unable to get home for Christmas.
Ger Hyland, President of the IRHA, has called for urgent action from both ferry companies and UK authorities to resolve the backlog and prevent further delays.
“We also need to put pressure on the shipping companies to work on Christmas Day as we will have at least 50 Irish drivers sitting on the side of the road somewhere in the UK when they should be with their families,” he said.
“The UK Government, its ports and the shipping companies themselves could do a lot more to alleviate this crisis.
“The Irish Government also need to increase the pressure on their counterparts in the UK to increase the productivity on the other side of the Irish Sea because, for example, we know that at least one port like Pembroke has a lot more capacity and could step into the breach far more strongly here,” he added.
The disruption began earlier this month when Storm Darragh severely damaged the Port of Holyhead in North Wales, a key ferry terminal for routes between Ireland and Great Britain.
Holyhead is expected to remain closed until at least January 15, adding to the already strained transportation network.
In response to the closure, ferry companies have been rerouting traffic, but these measures have not been enough to avoid significant delays and cancellations.
Irish Ferries, one of the primary operators on the Irish Sea, has also faced challenges.
On the evening of December 20, a technical issue with a ferry operating from Fishguard in Wales to Dublin caused delays, with the company apologising to passengers.
However, for lorry drivers, the delays are more than an inconvenience—they represent missed opportunities to get home for Christmas, with potential financial and personal consequences.
The IRHA has been vocal in its criticism of both the UK Government and the ferry operators for not doing enough to address the ongoing disruption.
Hauliers have warned that the longer the delays continue, the more severe the impact will be, with rising costs for businesses and delays in delivering goods.
The situation is particularly tense as the Christmas holiday period is one of the busiest for the transport sector, with both businesses and families relying on timely deliveries and services.
In response to the crisis, the Irish Government has been in contact with Welsh authorities, and Taoiseach Mr Harris has discussed the issue with First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan.
Both leaders have acknowledged the significant impact on people and traders, with Harris stressing the importance of ensuring sufficient capacity at alternative ports.
“We discussed the need for workable alternatives while Holyhead remains closed,” Harris said.
“It is crucial for both Ireland and Wales to find solutions that support the movement of people and goods. This is particularly important as we approach Christmas.”
Despite these discussions, many Irish lorry drivers are concerned that the current measures are not enough to alleviate the backlog in time for Christmas.
With weather conditions worsening and additional storms like Storm Eowyn expected in the coming days, the potential for further disruptions remains high.
The IRHA is calling for both governments to increase pressure on ferry companies to operate at full capacity and to consider special provisions for lorry drivers to help clear the backlog.
