First Minister Rhodri Morgan has officially opened the �17m facelift of Mostyn Docks in north east Wales.

P&O has been running ferry services from the docks for several weeks after transferring part of its passenger operations from Liverpool.

Thousands of passengers are expected to use the new route to Dublin this year, which cuts 90 minutes off journey times.

P & 0 have moved services from Liverpool to Mostyn

The docks' transformation was backed by Welsh Assembly aid.

Mr Morgan was joined for the launch by P&O Ferries chairman Graeme Dunlop and Mostyn Docks managing director Jim O'Toole.

At the ceremony, Mr Dunlop voiced his concerns about state-aided ferry routes, which he said were "distorting" the market.

The success of Mostyn Docks, he said, would depend on a level playing field.

"We need a market which is transparent in order to make similar investments in the future," said Mr Dunlop.

Flintshire County Council is currently holding talks with rail companies about having a freight terminal at Mostyn.

Rhodri Morgan: Assembly backed project

However, the study is also expected to reignite the debate over plans for a new road bypass for Flint.

Terence Morgan of Morgan Freight in Mostyn said he believed the docks could fail to reach its full potential if the road system is not improved.

Docks transformation

The docks will also handle significant freight contracts, which will include handling aircraft wings built at the Airbus plant at Broughton.

Jim O'Toole added: "You have to have the infrastructure in order to attract the right customers.

"We have managed to overcome a bad road system - but growth will take place, and that infrastructure must be there if we're going to attract industry in the future.

"It is pretty important that this is sorted out as soon as possible," he added.