2. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the economic benefits of infrastructure developments on Ynys Môn? OAQ51522

Thank you very much, Rhun ap Iorwerth.

We are working with a range of project developers, as well as local stakeholders, including the Isle of Anglesey Council, to facilitate the delivery of a number of significant infrastructure projects that will benefit the island’s economy by providing opportunities for skilled employment and training. 

Thank you. In the debate yesterday on the marine plan, I emphasised to your colleague, the Cabinet Secretary for the environment, the need to ensure that an electrical connection is developed urgently to develop the exciting Morlais scheme—the test zone for marine energy on the west coast of Anglesey. It’s important that we make the best of any opportunities with regard to renewable energy for our environment, but, as Cabinet Secretary for economy, do you see that ensuring that that electrical infrastructure, that connection to Morlais—for which funding has already been allocated through the Welsh European Funding Office—is something that the Government should be trying to implement as soon as possible to realise the economic benefit that could come to Ynys Môn and beyond in realising the potential of the test zone? Will you commit to playing your part in ensuring that everything is done to ensure that that connection is made?

Can I thank the Member again for his question? He makes a really important point and I'd support it wholeheartedly. WEFO are supporting the Morlais demonstration zone and gaining the consents that will attract marine energy developers. The Member highlights the support that has been attracted from Europe. It amounts to more than £4 million in funding. It's absolutely essential that this work is taken forward at speed. It also, I think, complements some other major investments that have taken place across Anglesey, not just concerning Wylfa Newydd, but also, within the enterprise zone, the master plan that is being refreshed for the port of Holyhead. I'm very pleased that we've been able to work with his party on the ports fund, which I know has been utilised by the port of Holyhead and by many other ports around the coast of Wales. 

As you will be aware, the north Wales growth bid from all councils and all partners was submitted early in our Assembly recess. Not only was it proposing measures to strengthen the economy in the north-east, but to spread that prosperity at last westwards. It includes proposals for investments to extend Parc Cefni in Llangefni, Parc Cybi in Holyhead and £50 million for the Holyhead port redevelopment, alongside, on the mainland, the Trawsfynydd centre for energy generation. The bid is asking both the UK and Welsh Governments to enter into negotiations with them early in this year on these and the other proposals. Can you, therefore, update us on how you propose to approach that and in what sort of timescales as we take this forward? Also, in so doing, how will you exploit the opportunities in these centres with Ireland, where, yesterday morning, I met Ieuan Wyn Jones, our former colleague and now the executive director of Menai Science Park, who told me the good news that they've already got 11 tenants ready to go in, but there's growing interest from Ireland in the current broader Brexit context? 

I think it's fair to say that Anglesey is home to some of the most exciting infrastructure projects anywhere in the UK in the coming years, and some of the biggest as well. It's essential that all partners—UK Government, Welsh Government, local authorities across north Wales—work together to maximise the opportunities for growth in terms of jobs, work experience and training for people who live on the island and in the immediate vicinity as well. For that reason, I'm keen to continue with constructive discussions with the UK Government and with local authorities. Indeed, I met with the leader of Anglesey council and the chief executive just before Christmas to discuss progress on Wylfa Newydd and the growth deal bid. It's my intention to take forward further discussions as part of the growth deal negotiations, and I think we stand on the cusp of producing a set of proposals with an overarching vision that could lead to significant growth in employment and wealth across north Wales, but that's not going to stop us making the right investments in the meantime. In particular, when it comes to roads, when it comes to preparing employment sites on Anglesey, I think it's essential that the money keeps flowing, and funding has already been made available to support a strategic employment site at Llangefni, and also another one at Penrhos in Holyhead. But, of course, that money comes from Europe—yet another reminder of how important European funding has been to many parts of Wales. 

Mandy Jones.

Thank you, Presiding Officer, and a happy new year.

Cabinet Secretary, I'm impressed by the progress being made on the Menai Science Park, and I look forward to this great facility being open for business as soon as possible. Now, I do recall the techniums from the Assembly before last, where you built it but they didn't come. Can you reassure my constituents that this wonderful facility will indeed bring the business, jobs and innovation that it promises, and that it is actively being marketed in the relevant sectors?

Can I thank the Member for her question and welcome her to the Assembly Chamber? As somebody who lives not too far from myself, we last debated at Penley high school, I believe it was, in the election of 2015.

I must say that I've been incredibly impressed as well by the speed at which the Menai Science Park is being developed. It wasn't long ago that we cut the sod on that particular project, but that, together with other investments, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Institute on the other side of north Wales, are distinctly different from the techniums, in that they will bring together employers, training providers and education in a new way that makes sure that all development in terms of training and education provision is driven by employer needs, and that education and training are more responsive to what employers and investors require.