8. Will the Minister provide an update on the Menai crossing development? OAQ(5)0006(EI)[W]

We are currently developing a business case for a third crossing over the Menai strait and I have asked my officials to bring forward proposals for a preferred-route study.

The Minister will know that I have been consistently pressing for investment in a third crossing, or dualling the Britannia, however you want to see it. I was very grateful to see the Government agreeing to proceed with the business study recently, and I’m sure that the plans will be brought forward in due course.

Today, National Grid have announced their latest proposals on transferring energy across the Isle of Anglesey and the Menai straits. In terms of crossing Anglesey, the grid is entirely unyielding in terms of its determination to keep those cables above ground. They want to go under the Menai, and I would expect them to do that—of course, they have very little option. But isn’t there an opportunity here in having some collaboration between different departments, if you like, namely by taking the cables across a new Menai crossing and getting the grid to contribute to the cost therein? I know that there is a problem here in terms of timing, but will the Minister give a commitment to do everything within his power to overcome those problems, because there is a very real opportunity to kill two birds with one stone here?

Absolutely. The Member is astute and correct in his observations and his recommendations. I met with my officials today to discuss this very issue. We welcome the project update today, published by National Grid. It’s provided more detail on the undergrounding options for crossing the Menai straits, and officials continue to engage with the National Grid to ensure that any solution is fit for purpose, not only to deliver a connection but to protect and be mindful of the environment in which it is to be deployed. So, the grid dimension will be considered as part of the business case.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary.