Answers issued to Members on 20 July 2007
[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.Contents
Questions to the Minister for the Economy and Transport
Questions to the Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development
Questions to the Minister for the Economy and Transport
Andrew R.T. Davies (South Wales Central): What consideration has the minister given to the reopening of Hirwaun railway station? (WAQ50226)
The Deputy Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): I am answering this as Minister for the Economy and Transport. There are no current plans for the reopening of Hirwaun railway station. It would be for Sewta, the transport consorium for South East Wales, to consider this proposal in the first instance and include it, with the necessary priority, within their Regional Transport Plan to present to the Welsh Assembly Government.Andrew R.T. Davies (South Wales Central): Would the Minister explain the delay in commissioning the lighting at the Croesbychan junction on the A465? (WAQ50229)
Ieuan Wyn Jones: I am answering this as Minister for the Economy and Transport.
There have been delays resulting from problems with land access for Western Power Distribution for the implementation of a power supply. These issues have now been resolved and lighting will be available at the junction by the end of this week.
Questions to the Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development
Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Does the Minister have any plans to develop the south pier in Aberaeron to protect the vulnerable tidal harbour from north westerly gales which threaten to flood the town via the harbour mouth during spring tides? (WAQ50238)
The Minister for Sustainability and Housing (Jane Davidson): I am answering this as Minister for Sustainability and Housing.Operational powers to maintain and improve coastal defences around Wales rest with either the Environment Agency or the appropriate local authority. In the case of the South Pier in Aberaeron, the relevant powers rest with the local authority which is promoting improvement works for the coastal frontage of Aberaeron. The Welsh Assembly Government encourages and supports such works through grant aid. Release of such grant would follow a formal application supported by a business case, which would need to include a justification for the works.
Ceredigion County Council has commissioned studies to assess options to resolve the problems along Aberaeron’s coastal frontage. These include consideration of works to South Pier, which suffered damage during last winter’s storms. I understand that these appraisals will be completed by the autumn and that Ceredigion then plan to apply to the Assembly Government for grant aid. Subject to appropriate permissions being received, Ceredigion intend to commence construction on this project during the current financial year. In the meantime, Ceredigion is undertaking repair work to those sections of the frontage which suffered damage last winter and require immediate attention.
My officials are working closely with officers of the local authority and I am advised that Welsh Assembly Government monies have been earmarked to be available for this project in this financial year.