8. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on investment in the rail network? OAQ(5)0181(EI)

Yes. We provide over £180 million a year in franchise subsidy payments and funding for additional services across the Wales and borders network. Rail infrastructure is not devolved, but, since 2011, we have invested over £200 million into rail infrastructure in Wales.

Diolch. Llywydd, I declare an interest, that my sister is an employee of Network Rail. The Cabinet Secretary, as mentioned previously, has published his priority list for new stations to be constructed, and I was surprised that Crymlyn was not among those priority stations, given the key location that it provides for a multimodal interchange point and its potential as a cycle and long-distance walking hub as well—in the area, the Cabinet Secretary will be aware, in which the street with the poorest air pollution outside of London anywhere in the UK is also located. I understand that his resources are finite and there are many competing factors, but perhaps the current criteria for deciding priority stations aren’t as all-encompassing as they could be. Will he agree to meet with me to discuss and further explore the specific needs and potential that exist at Crymlyn for a new station?

I’d be more than happy to meet with the Member and any other Member who would like to discuss stations in their particular regions or constituencies—I’ve already done that in other areas; I’ve had a number of meetings now concerning Newport provision. I’d be happy to meet with the Member. I should just say that this is an ongoing process. Once the assessment of the priority list is completed, there will be an opportunity to then consider the next group of regional stations.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary.