An Post expects to receive around 350,000 parcels from the UK over the next 24 hours after Holyhead Port’s closure caused a backlog.
It said it has the “facilities, technology and staff” across its hubs to deliver the parcels to homes and businesses around Ireland.
Ferry sailings between Ireland and Wales were cancelled due to damage caused by Storm Darragh at Holyhead.
Speaking on on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Managing Director of An Post Commercial Garrett Bridgman said that Holyhead port is still closed and will not reopen until 19 December.
He advised people to check retailers websites to see if their deliveries are affected, but said that most online sellers have sourced alternative routes into Ireland in light of the closure.
Mr Bridgman said there are approximately 150,000 parcels still in Holyhead Port, which being rerouted.
“The minute we get it, we will deliver it,” he said.
Mr Bridgman encouraged people to track their parcel once it arrives in Ireland but said customers should get parcels they ordered before Storm Darragh.
In a statement, An Post said that 1,400 Christmas casual workers were at hand to help clear the backlog which has already been reduced from 500,000 parcels to approximately 150,000 by re-routing.
It promised to provide daily updates to customers regarding the Holyhead Port’s closure and its impact on parcel freight into Ireland.
“Many UK retailers have worked with ferry companies to secure alternative routes into to Ireland while Holyhead remains closed,” said a spokesperson from An Post.
“Larger capacity ferries are now accessing Ireland from Wales, Scotland and Liverpool via Rosslare Europort, Larne and Dublin Port, resulting in a much decreased backlog of parcel trucks at Holyhead.”
An Post advised customers who are planning to order from the UK to check with retailers regarding their delivery dates for Ireland.
“There will be nationwide parcel deliveries and all post offices will remain open this Saturday 14 December,” it said.
“An Post will be delivering up to Christmas Eve all parcels received by 21 December.”
Article Source – An Post vows to clear backlog of parcels after storm delays – RTE
