Holyhead border control post to sit empty despite Brexit investment

In a statement, he said he would not proceed with the final commissioning and staffing of the Holyhead site, and longer term plans can only be made once the UK’s deal with the EU is finalised.

“In the meantime, it is crucial that it remains ready and available as a potential BCP facility,” he added.

Despite the UK leaving the European Union more than five years ago, there were delays to implementing the checks over concerns that it would lead to price rises for businesses and consumers.

A common understanding between the UK and the EU was announced in May 2025, as part of efforts to reset their post-Brexit relationship.

Details of the agreement are to be negotiated, but it aims to reduce trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products to make trade between the UK and EU cheaper and easier.

If agreed, it would exempt many imports of live animals and goods from sanitary and phytosanitary checks at the border.

The Welsh government began constructing the post with Kier Construction, the main contractor on the project, in March 2024 and it was anticipated to be completed by autumn 2025.

Holyhead is the busiest Irish Sea ferry port, handling more than 75% of imports from Ireland to Great Britain.

The site planned to create jobs in the local area, with up to 30 employees expected to staff the site over a 24-hour period.

The Welsh government said it remained committed to providing sufficient notice for traders and delivery partners should any new border checks need to be introduced.