The BBCBritain’s second-busiest port is set to return to full service after more than a month of being shut down by storm damage.
Two berths at Holyhead Port, which connects North Wales and Dublin, were damaged on December 7, affecting thousands of passengers and parcel deliveries over Christmas, as well as businesses in the town.
Only one of these berths is due to reopen on Thursday, meaning port owners Stena Line and Irish Ferries will each have to operate four daily services from the same berth instead of the usual two.
The Welsh Government said it would consider the results of a survey before deciding on next steps.
A tentative timetable has been drawn up for a partial reopening while the other berths are repaired.
But Holyhead traders said they had seen a huge drop in traffic and income since the closure of the port, which sees two million passengers a year and 1,200 lorries and trailers pass through each day.
“We don’t have the number of people coming from Ireland anymore and people don’t seem to be spending their money in the shops,” explained Anglesey councilor Geoff Evans.
“It’s good that Stena is addressing the issue but it’s only partially reopening. The sooner it’s reopened normally the better. We can never have this happen again.”
Claudia Howard, who owns the Boathouse Hotel, said she had suffered “quite a bit of damage”.
“We’ve had 147 bookings cancelled. If you average £100 a night, that’s £14,700,” he said.
“On top of that, you’ve had their bar, breakfast or dinner, so we’ve actually lost more than that.
“We also have coach parties and they go to Ireland and that has had to be canceled as well.”
The business also had to pay for roof damage caused by the storm, she said.
“It’s good to know they (the ferries) will be going again so business will pick up. One worry is that if there are four ferries, there will be less reason for people to stay in Holyhead.
“But at least they’re going, and that’s a relief.”
He added that the cancellations also had problems with supply chains, such as linen companies that supply hotels.
Anglesey Council leader Gary Pritchard said there should be some sort of “hardship fund” to help businesses.
“We are led to believe that the Irish Government is looking at, or has already established, a hardship fund – certainly for the haulage industry in Ireland.
“What we’re calling for is some of the same businesses that have been affected in Holyhead.”
The Welsh Government said: “Anglesia Council is currently gathering evidence on the potential impact of the closure, and a survey is available on their website to complement the business.
“We will consider this evidence before deciding on next steps.”
In a statement, the Irish government described the expected resumption of ferry services between Holyhead and Dublin as extremely positive news for passengers, freight operators, and everyone in the ports and maritime sectors.
It said: “The impact and response to the closure of Holyhead Port over Christmas will be assessed.”