3. Will the Minister make a statement on improvements to the road network in Arfon? OAQ(5)0004(EI)[W]

Our transport priorities are set out in the national transport finance plan, which includes a number of road improvements for north Wales.

Thank you very much. I’d like to draw your attention to a scheme to build a 9 km bypass in my area, in Arfon, in the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd area, a scheme that was secured by my predecessor, Alun Ffred Jones, in the last Assembly, which will be a significant boost to our area. I would like to hear from you whether you are aware of the significant delay in this scheme. There has been no announcement on it. The orders were supposed to have been published at the beginning of this year, and they haven’t been, and it’s likely that this scheme will not proceed for at least another 12 months. Are you aware that the problem that has arisen here is disagreement between Natural Resources Wales on the one side and the scheme’s engineers on the other? I understand that the problem is a dispute as regards what to do about the bats. Are you disappointed, as I am, that this delay is occurring, and can you assure me that you and your Government will do everything possible to resolve this dispute or this disagreement so that we can see this scheme proceeding as soon as possible, please?

Can I thank the Member for her question and say that the original intention was indeed to publish draft orders during the springtime of this year, but because of ongoing discussions, which the Member has mentioned, with Natural Resources Wales to address environmental mitigation measures, the publication date is now planned for August, subject to my approval? But I can guarantee that I will keep the Member updated on developments and move as fast as possible.

In fact, it’s three years since the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport in the previous Government announced her revised preferred route, whilst still investigating a business impact assessment, despite concerns raised by local businesses and employers that that revised preferred route and its predecessor would damage local business and jobs, and there was an alternative route that would do neither. Last July, notices were given out by the Welsh Government to landowners on the Welsh Government’s preferred route that environment surveys were to be carried out, and, last September, your predecessor, in a statement to this Assembly, said the A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass is well advanced. In addition to considering the environmental impact, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, as you indicate, will you again assure local businesses on the Welsh Government’s preferred route that you will engage with them at last and listen to their genuine, evidence-based concerns at last and factor that into your final decision?

I’ll thank the Member for his question and stress that we have been engaging with local communities throughout this process, and with landowners during the design and development, to understand the likely impact of the scheme on properties and businesses in the area and we are keen to continue this engagement moving forward.