4. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on transport projects in Mid and West Wales? OAQ51328

Yes. We are progressing a number of projects in mid and west Wales that include road, rail and public transport. The national transport finance plan sets out investment for transport, infrastructure and services from 2015 to 2020, across all parts of Wales.

I thank you for that and I see the signs along the way. One of the areas that has been brought to my attention—an area of concern—is the call by residents in Lower Town Fishguard for improvements on pedestrian access. Because—I'm sure you know the area, but there is a real pinch point and narrowing of that particular road where pedestrians and traffic meet, and it is deemed highly unsuitable and very unsafe. And I understand, Cabinet Secretary, that you received a petition signed by 98 people back in September and that you did say that your officials are considering alternative options and proposals for a footbridge to improve pedestrian safety, and that is very welcome. Can I ask has there been any further progress in that?

Can I thank the Member for her question and, again, her keen interest in this matter in Fishguard? I am aware of the area, and I can assure the Member that I'll carefully consider the petition, but what it calls for is a medium- to longer-term solution to the problem that we face right now, whereas I wish to see action taken in the short term as well, to remedy the problem. So, my officials are looking at options and are currently reviewing proposals for a footbridge at Lower Town to improve pedestrian safety. This review work is being undertaken in the current financial year, with a view of presenting me with the report and a recommendation on how best to proceed. I'm pleased to be able to say to the Member that heavy goods vehicles are prohibited from using this section of the A487, and it's difficult for such vehicles to navigate through this narrow area without coming close to pedestrians, so enforcement of the length and width restrictions in Lower Town is undertaken by Dyfed-Powys Police. So, I'd like to assure the Member once again that we're looking at solutions not just for the medium and long term, but for a solution now.

Cabinet Secretary, evidence given to the recent External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee inquiry into the implications of Brexit for Welsh ports showed that connectivity to Welsh ports is critical to their success. Now, indeed, conclusion 12 of that report states that the Welsh Government should make

'clear commitments on future development of infrastructure for which is it responsible, including highways.'

Therefore, can you tell us where the Welsh Government is in relation to dualling the A40 in my constituency, which would not only have a hugely beneficial impact on both of the ports in my constituency, but also on businesses and indeed local communities right across Pembrokeshire?

I'd like to issue a statement concerning the A40 and say that the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales will play a crucial role in assessing the best forms of connected infrastructure linking ports and other facilities across Wales. The advertisements for the chair of the commission are due to be issued imminently, and I do think that, particularly in a post-Brexit environment, the role of our ports in generating growth and prosperity will become even more important. So, we need to ensure that investment is driven towards making them more connected and better connected to urban centres.

If I could ask the Cabinet Secretary—. As he prepares himself—. One of the most exciting proposals I’ve seen for transforming transport in the region is reopening the rail line between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth. I think that’s an investment that will change people’s attitudes in west Wales, which will keep communities together and attract investment. We all know, and he himself particularly knows, where the Welsh Government has spent on railways in Wales, prosperity has followed that expenditure. 

Can you give us an update on the work that the Government is doing with the feasibility study on this rail line? And can you also tell us whether you have started to discuss with Network Rail—in an outline manner, I know, but have you had initial discussions—the possibility of this proposal going into the next framework for investment? Because I am of the view that, until everything is devolved, we need joint investment by the Welsh Government and the Westminster Government in this proposal.

I'd like to thank the Member for his question and say that the feasibility work is being undertaken at the moment. I believe it will be concluded in the new year. The UK Government is, of course, still responsible, unfortunately, for funding railway infrastructure in Wales. However, the feasibility study, once complete, will be used to inform Network Rail's, and indeed the UK Government's, planning process for rail infrastructure, and I am pleased to have been able to support this feasibility study. The Member highlights numerous benefits from upgrading rail infrastructure across Wales, including the potential of the Aberystwyth-Carmarthen railway line.