Carolyn Thomas: As a previous cabinet member for Flintshire, I'd like to say that the Welsh Government has made huge investment in the north Wales metro, providing £17 million of funding to local authorities over the last year alone, and I've seen investment in cycle lanes, park and ride, electric buses, right across the region of north Wales. We've also put—. I know Flintshire's also put in a bid for the...
Carolyn Thomas: Yes, this is it: so, I'm asking can we have metro signage so people will understand the investment made in park and ride, the cycle links—how they all link together—investment in stations as well. I think that's really important. And, also, post COVID—
Carolyn Thomas: Post COVID, we need to encourage people to come back to using public transport as well. So, would you, Deputy Minister, make funding available for local authorities to be able to invest in properly advertising the metro, advertising timetables for buses and what's available for people, so they can gain confidence in using public transport again? Thank you.
Carolyn Thomas: 1. What is the Commission doing to engage with schools in North Wales? OQ57053
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for that answer. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting schools across north Wales virtually and hearing the issues that are important to them. I have been contacted by the parent of a child in Ysgol Bryn Coch in Mold, who is disappointed that the child will be unable to visit the Senedd for an education visit in person during a school trip to Cardiff. I believe they fit it in with...
Carolyn Thomas: The Welsh Labour Government has consistently led the way in tackling climate change. It was the first to declare a climate emergency and it has led the way to our nation being the third best in the world at recycling, and committed to protecting biodiversity, and raised awareness of the nature emergency along with the climate emergency. This dedication to making real change has been seen...
Carolyn Thomas: In order for the future of the port of Holyhead to flourish, good communications infrastructure based on fibre broadband will be needed in order to meet demand. I have been contacted by FibreSpeed, who already have installed a point of presence close to where the proposed customs and excise building is to be built. I've been told their technology could help frictionless transport of goods and...
Carolyn Thomas: I'm sure all Members will agree that elections should be fair, open and accessible. We should be encouraging as many members of the electorate to participate in our democracy as possible, and feel empowered to have their voices heard beyond voting time. I welcome the six principles laid out by the Counsel General, which are to be used as a benchmark for the electoral reform agenda. It is...
Carolyn Thomas: Diolch. During the first week of COP26, I was invited to a conference with presentations by schools across north Wales, and the students had a real understanding that we all have a part to play in tackling climate change. Their suggestions that they came up with included cutting food miles, meat-free Mondays, using renewable energy, reuse and saving water by turning off the tap while brushing...
Carolyn Thomas: I've had a response regarding that as well and been told that it's being followed up, with officers meeting with Wrexham officials as well. Diolch. Improvements along the A55 in Gwynedd received 50 per cent EU funding to do the work. This is just one example of how north Wales's infrastructure gained from being a net beneficiary of European funding. We were promised we would be no worse off...
Carolyn Thomas: Can I thank Jack Sargeant for tabling this topical question on such an important issue? Like Jack, I am a proud member of Unite the Union, and also attended the picket line on Sunday to stand in solidarity with drivers, who fulfil such an important role in our local communities across north Wales. It simply cannot be fair that workers in Wales are paid less and made to work longer hours than...
Carolyn Thomas: As you know, First Minister, Dolgarrog pipe bridge, connecting the local community to the train station, has been closed to walkers and local users due to significant safety concerns, including the deterioration of the timber deck boards and the need for additional measures to safeguard the water mains supply to over 3,000 homes in north Wales. Thanks to Welsh Government funding, the popular...
Carolyn Thomas: Thank you for your statement, Minister, and I welcome the action being taken by the Welsh Government. The lack of affordable housing across the UK is an issue acutely felt by younger generations. Many are unable to get a mortgage and feel trapped within the private rented sector, paying off the landlord's mortgage instead of being allowed to pay off their own. Often, tenants can be paying far...
Carolyn Thomas: What steps is the Welsh Government taking to tackle the nature emergency in Wales?
Carolyn Thomas: Animal welfare establishments in Wales are providing a critical and necessary service, as we can see by just how busy they are. However, their credibility has been damaged by some awful establishments. I'd like to bring some examples to light of just why we need to regulate animal welfare establishments. Since 2016, I've been watching the actions against a local charity in my region,...
Carolyn Thomas: 2. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support the active recreation sector in north Wales? OQ57289
Carolyn Thomas: Diolch, Deputy Minister. I recently visited Plas y Brenin, which is a great facility for adventure sport and training in the heart of Snowdonia, and it's run by a Welsh charity, the Mountain Training Trust. They are looking for funding to bring their building and outdoor facilities up to full disability access to widen inclusiveness and expand the offer. What is Welsh Government doing to...
Carolyn Thomas: Music services and tuition in Wales delivered by authorities have been severely impacted by year upon year of austerity measures and cuts to public service funding. I saw this as a Flintshire councillor and parent whose son took part in a music service. After attending a concert, I asked my then young children if they would learn an instrument through school. It was free and I thought it...
Carolyn Thomas: 7. What plans does the Welsh Government have to improve bus services in North Wales? OQ57332
Carolyn Thomas: Diolch, First Minister. Much of north Wales is rural, unlike large city areas such as Cardiff. It is a complicated web of transport hubs consisting of many isolated rural communities, a large amount of historical town centres, health facilities, railway stations, and it's intrinsically linked with education to make it viable. How will Welsh Government ensure that the vast knowledge of local...
