2. Will the Minister make a statement on action being taken to reduce flood risk in Clwyd West? OAQ(5)0005(ERA)

Thank you. Clwyd West benefited from more than £20 million of investment over the last Government, with flood risk reduction schemes successfully delivered at Colwyn Bay, Kinmel Bay and Rhuthin. We’re assessing possible schemes at Abergele, Llansannan and Mochdre and funding feasibility work is being carried out in other areas across Clwyd West.

Thank you very much, Cabinet Secretary. I’m very grateful for the investment that was put by the previous Government into addressing flood risk issues in Clwyd West, and you will know that, on many occasions, I’ve welcomed that investment. I am concerned for those areas that you also listed, to say that they are currently under consideration, but I was disappointed not to hear any reference to the Old Colwyn promenade and flood defences, which of course do protect the very important, vital transport infrastructure of north Wales, particularly the A55 trunk road and the north Wales railway line. Can you give some assurances that you’re also considering the flood-risk management issues in that particular area, and what action are you taking to ensure that they’re going to be done in a timely manner, because they have been pelted by storms in recent years and that has severely undermined those defences?

No decisions have been made yet on funding for Old Colwyn. To take this forward, we need all partners to work together, so I think that’s something that you need to take on board too. I know my officials are working with Conwy County Borough Council, and it’s really important that we do bring everybody together to find an appropriate solution. So, as I say, if the Member can also assist in that way, that would be very helpful.

Cabinet Secretary, you’ll be aware that a number of parts of north-east Wales have been impacted by flash flooding after heavy and sustained rainfall in recent weeks. Just last week, I visited residents and business in Bagillt who’d been left devastated after flooding, and, worryingly, this is an area that’s been hit before in recent years. What discussions have you had with Flintshire County Council to take preventative steps in such flood-prone areas, what support is available for victims and will you consider visiting the areas?

Thank you, Hannah Blythyn, for that question. I know there was flash flooding in north-east Wales last week and I really do express my sympathy to those businesses and houses that did experience that flash flooding after the heavy rain last week. I know Bagillt was particularly affected, and my officials have been in discussions with Flintshire County Council and also the emergency services—we want to thank them because they did alleviate the immediate risk to some of the properties. I think there’s now going to be an investigation into how the flooding occurred following the heavy rain, and we need to understand what factors were involved so that we can take potential measures to reduce the risk of such flooding reoccurring.

Much of the funding invested in tackling the challenge of flooding comes from European sources, of course. Would you agree with me, therefore, Cabinet Secretary, that leaving the European Union would leave many of these communities even more exposed to the risk of flooding, particularly in areas such as Clwyd West?

Absolutely. I agree completely with Llyr Huws Gruffydd that to leave the European Union would certainly cut our funding significantly, within my portfolio particularly. I’ve asked officials to have a look at the impact, and it is absolutely significant. I absolutely agree with you.