A border control post at Parc Cybi near Holyhead port in Anglesey may remain unused, as indicated by the Welsh government. Originally established for post-Brexit checks, the facility received £44 million from the UK government to inspect animals and plants entering the UK from Ireland following the UK's departure from the EU.
However, a newly negotiated agreement between the EU and the UK suggests that most imports may not require these checks. Wales' Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, also cancelled similar projects in Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, noting that Parc Cybi will stay under review pending the finalisation of the agreement.
In his statement, Irranca-Davies confirmed plans to withhold the final commissioning and staffing of the Holyhead site, stating that "longer-term plans can only be made once the UK's deal with the EU is finalised." He further noted, "In the meantime, it must remain ready and available as a potential BCP facility."
Although the UK left the European Union over five years ago, implementing the checks faced delays due to concerns about potential price increases for businesses and consumers. A mutual understanding between the UK and the EU, announced in May 2025, aims to smooth trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products, potentially offering a cost-effective and straightforward trade route between the UK and the EU. If ratified, many imports of live animals and goods could be exempt from sanitary and phytosanitary checks at the border.
The site at Parc Cybi, constructed with Kier Construction as the main contractor, was initially anticipated to be completed by autumn 2025. Holyhead, as the busiest Irish Sea ferry port, facilitates over 75% of imports from Ireland to Great Britain. The facility aimed to create local employment, with plans for up to 30 employees managing the site around the clock. The Welsh government has committed to providing adequate notice to traders and delivery partners if new border checks become necessary.
Source: BBC