§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his Department's total financial contribution to investment in the port of Holyhead; and what are the implications of such investment for travelers by sea to the Republic of Ireland and for travellers by rail to stations to Crewe and London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RichardsUnder the European regional development fund, £4.3 million has been made available to Holyhead since 1987 of which £2.5 million related to port development. In addition, since 1991, the area has attracted £300,000 assistance under the strategic development scheme, £1.9 million under the urban programme scheme and investment of £3.1 million by the WDA through the Holyhead joint venture board. The Department has also invested over £9.9 million in regional selective assistance and £525,000 in regional enterprise grant within the Holyhead travel-to-work-area.
Improvements at the port will provide a better standard of service to travellers and the business community, as well as improving the prospects for local employment.