‘Largest-ever’ flood protection scheme welcomed
POLITICIANS have welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Government that will see it introduce its largestever flood protection programme – including plans for the Carmarthenshire town of Kidwelly.
The scheme, achieved through the Plaid Cymru Co-operation Agreement, totals more than £214m across Wales over three years, and will see over £220,000 allocated to address flooding in Kidwelly.
In total, £168,000 has been allocated for the 2022-3 financial year for the design and construction work on the Cae Ffynnon Culvert, with a further £60,000 earmarked for a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) of Kidwelly flooding.
Residents in the Ferry Road area of the town have experienced flooding on numerous occasions over recent years, particularly during heavy downfalls.
In October, Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru MS for Mid and West Wales, and Kidwelly county councillor Jeanette Gilasbey met with local residents who had been affected by flooding – with the representatives going on to relay their concerns to Natural Resources Wales and Carmarthenshire Council.
The announcement by Welsh Government Climate Change Minister Julie James MS follows a commitment as part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru to increase investment in flood management and mitigation.
The Cae Ffynnon Culvert scheme would see 16 premises benefit, while the wider Kidwelly Strategic Outline Case could potentially benefit nine businesses and 51 properties.
The minister also confirmed an increase of £24m in revenue funding over the next three years, which for next year will increase Natural Resources Wales’ budget by £1.5m, increase the revenue local authorities can apply for to £225,000 per authority, and extend the current Coastal Risk Management Programme by one final year.
Mrs James said: “Climate change is happening now and already impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions across the world.
“As well as reducing our emissions, we all need to work together to adapt to a changing climate in the years ahead.
“Just last month, three successive major storms swept across Wales, impacting many communities. Investment in protection has never been so important.
“I am therefore pleased to announce our largest-ever flood programme totalling over £71m next year and £214m over the next three years.
“This will be used to deliver major flood schemes, identify local needs and develop future projects. Our funding will also help improved forward planning – we look forward to working with risk management authorities to accelerate delivery and support for the people of Wales.”
Responding to the announcement, Jeanette Gilasbey, Plaid Cymru county councillor for Kidwelly, said: “I have seen first-hand the damage and distress caused by the flooding in Kidwelly, and I welcome the commitment secured through Plaid Cymru’s Co-operation agreement with the Welsh Government that will see over £220,000 allocated for potential flood protection schemes in the area.
“I will continue to work with local agencies and stakeholders to ensure that residents and businesses in the town are protected in future from these floods.”
Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales, added: “As we’re all too aware, climate change sadly means our communities are at increased risk of flooding.
“Last year I met with residents in Kidwelly, and I’m all too aware of their distress and the concern caused by such uncertainty locally due to flooding.
“This funding secured through the Plaid Cymru Co-operation Agreement with the Welsh Government will make an important difference – helping our efforts to protect homes and businesses across Wales, including Kidwelly.
“As well as reducing our emissions as a matter of urgency, we need adapt to a changing climate in the years ahead.
“This extra investment is the result of Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government working together as we face up to the major challenges posed by the climate crisis.”