9. Will the Minister confirm when the Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass will open? OAQ53411

I was delighted to mark the beginning of the construction phase on 17 January for this significant infrastructure project in north Wales, and, providing there are no unforeseen issues, construction will be completed by November 2021.

Thank you very much, and therefore I hope that I won't have to ask that question again in this Chamber. Another aspect of the work, of course, is the impact on the local economy. What work have you as a Government done to ensure that the local workforce and local businesses get the maximum benefit from this important proposal?

Well, it's £135 million that are being spent on this particular piece of infrastructure. Through the procurement exercise, through agreements with contractors, it's our intention to ensure that local businesses gain maximum opportunity to benefit from the scheme. We're also engaging with the local authority and with Sustrans to ensure that—whether it be on the business side or whether it be in terms of active travel—there are opportunities for as many people and organisations to benefit from the Caernarfon-Bontnewydd bypass as possible.

Finally, Mark Isherwood.

Diolch, Llywydd. As you said, and when you cut the first sod on 17 January, you anticipated completion by autumn 2021. What contractual safeguards have you secured regarding that, and, given the concerns raised by some significant local businesses, when the first two initial preferred routes were announced, that there hadn't been a local business impact assessment, what dialogue have you had with them over potential mitigation measures to minimise any negative impact upon them?

I think, Dirprwy Lywydd, it's worth saying that there was extensive consultation that was undertaken as part of the programme of assessment of which route was preferred. The bypass as it is now planned—the 9.7 km of new road—would remove through traffic from a number of communities. Those communities have called for this investment to be made. I do appreciate that some—some—businesses have raised concerns over the adverse impact that could be experienced as a consequence of removing traffic from roads within those communities. However, from what we've been able to ascertain from those businesses during the consultation process, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that those businesses would be severely undermined as a consequence of the bypass being built. I think it is important to reflect on the fact that this particular scheme does have overwhelming support within the area.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Ann Jones) took the Chair.

Thank you very much, Minister.