Announced today, the task force will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans.
The group will work with the Irish Minister of State for Transport, James Lawless, the UK Government and other key players in the Welsh and Irish ports and ferry industry to ensure the port meets the future needs of both nations.
The announcement follows the temporary closure of the port following damage to its berthing infrastructure inflicted by Storm Darragh.
Stena Ferries, which operate the Port, have indicated that remedial work is currently on schedule for a partial reopening on January 16.
Mr Skates said: “The potential impacts of the closure over the Festive period on freight and passenger movements were very significant, with time-sensitive seasonal goods needing to reach market and people travelling home to their families for Christmas.
“We worked tirelessly with the Irish Government, the UK Government, Welsh ports, ferry companies and others to secure alternative routes for goods and people to get where they needed to go and I want to thank everyone for their efforts.
“We have always recognised the strategic significance of Holyhead, by our support for the Anglesey Freeport and our support to ensure that the port’s breakwater can be maintained so that the port can remain usable for many decades to come.
“I am also grateful for the recent assurance from Stena Ports that they remain committed to Holyhead’s long-term future. But I think the time is now right for us to re-evaluate what Holyhead needs from all of its stakeholders over the longer term, to not just survive, but to thrive.
“I want the task force I am announcing today to consider the resilience of sea connectivity between Wales and Ireland more generally, so that these critical transport links can better withstand the challenges we expect from climate-driven changes in severe weather patterns and other hazards and threats. It is crucial we work together so we can secure a successful future for the Port of Holyhead.”
It follows criticism for the handling of the situation at Holyhead in the wake of the storm damage.
Andrew RT Davies, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “The Holyhead closure has shown Labour at both ends of the M4 to be totally incompetent.
“When the port closed, it was clear that the impact on jobs could have been potentially huge, yet the only action from the Welsh Government was to film a video when more hands-on support was needed.
“Instead of sitting on their hands when this issue arose, the Welsh Government should have worked night and day to help the port re-open and give much-needed clarity.”