Holyhead is among the towns supported by the Welsh Government’s Trefi SMART Cymru programme, delivered by Menter Môn, an initiative designed to empower towns, businesses, and decision-makers through data and technology. The ability to access high-quality data provides invaluable insights into how external factors—such as the temporary closure of Holyhead Port—affect footfall and trade.
Storm Darragh’s Disruptive Impact
On 6th December 2024, Storm Darragh caused significant damage to Holyhead Port, forcing a six-week closure that disrupted travel and trade between the UK and Ireland. The timing was particularly devastating, occurring at the peak of the festive season, a crucial period for retailers and hospitality businesses.
Assessing the Impact on the High Street
To measure the direct impact of the closure, Trefi SMART Cymru analysed insights from BT Active Intelligence, focusing on two key data sets that track footfall trends in Holyhead’s high street and surrounding zones. The data confirmed what many businesses feared—a dramatic drop in visitors and a severe impact on local trade.
Businesses Count the Cost
Local businesses have reported significant financial losses due to the port closure. Key stakeholders shared their experiences:
- Howard A N Browes, Business Owner & Chair of Cybi Business Forum, described the closure as a major setback: “The closure of Holyhead Port had a significant impact on many businesses, especially hotels and guesthouses, as well as retailers, restaurants, cafés, and takeaways, all of which reported a downturn in trade.”
- Cllr. Keith Roberts, Isle of Anglesey County Council, highlighted the absence of haulage drivers who typically stop in Holyhead to eat and rest, further reducing local business activity.
- Chanthi’s Thai Restaurant reported a 50% decline in revenue during the closure period.
- Orient B&B faced losses exceeding £2,000, having to cancel and refund 41 room bookings.
- The Boathouse Hotel suffered 147 cancellations, leading to estimated revenue losses between £19,000 – £20,000.
Footfall Data Confirms a Sharp Decline
The impact was reflected in footfall data, which saw a drastic drop compared to previous years:
December 2024 vs December 2023
- Overall footfall for December fell by 36.86% compared to the same period in 2023.
- During the closure period (6th – 31st December), footfall dropped by 38.99%.
January 2025 vs January 2024
- Overall footfall in January declined by 33.4% year-on-year.
- During the closure period (1st – 15th January), footfall fell by 34.59%.
Total Footfall Loss During the Closure Period
From 6th December 2024 to 15th January 2025, Holyhead high street footfall stood at 52,215, a 37.42% decline from the 83,445 visitors recorded in the same period the previous year.
Shifting Shopping Patterns
Beyond the high street, the closure had a broader impact on shopping habits:
- Holyhead Retail Park also saw a decline, but the gap between retail park and high street footfall widened significantly.
- Newry Beach, an area home to hospitality businesses, recorded a 60.17% drop in footfall compared to December 2023.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Recovery with Data
The port closure has reinforced the importance of reliable data in assessing economic disruption. Without accurate figures, proving the extent of business losses would have been far more challenging. Moving forward, businesses and policymakers must continue to monitor visitor trends, ensuring they are equipped to adapt and advocate for necessary interventions.
Trefi SMART Cymru will continue working alongside Cybi Business Forum to track Holyhead’s recovery and provide businesses with data-driven insights to strengthen resilience and support future planning. While it remains uncertain how quickly visitor numbers will return to pre-closure levels, access to high-quality data will be instrumental in navigating the road to recovery.
