9. Will the Minister make a statement on the management of water levels at Clywedog reservoir and Lake Vyrnwy? OAQ53657

Thank you. The reservoir management protocol between Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency and Hafren Dyfrdwy provides a detailed set of rules on management of water levels. There is a Vyrnwy and Clywedog liaison group that meets twice a year to discuss any issues and explain decisions relating to the management of the reservoir. 

Can I thank the Minister for her response? The Minister will, perhaps, recall that I asked the Trefnydd last week for a statement with regard to the management of dams across Wales, because there is concern of flooding downstream of the Clywedog reservoir and Lake Vyrnwy. Both dams have, at some points in recent weeks, been tipping over the top, and NRW states that this is a controlled and processed measure, but that doesn't, of course, allay the concerns of landowners downstream whose land is being significantly affected. I would be grateful if you could outline if you have had discussions with NRW in terms of the management of dams in Wales, particularly of Lake Vyrnwy and the Clywedog reservoir in terms of whether those management processes need to be updated. 

Thank you. I've certainly had discussions with Natural Resources Wales around Clywedog reservoir. I am aware that they've added a reservoir level gauge to the Clywedog reservoir so it makes it much easier for the public, for instance, to be able to monitor what's happening. I know it's available on their website. I know Hafren Dyfrdwy—I've also had discussions with them around dams and reservoirs—are planning to invest £7.1 million in reservoir and dam safety and maintenance across their region over the next—I think it's up to 2025. Clearly, as you say, the release of water from Clywedog reservoir is managed on a tripartite agreement between NRW, the Environment Agency and Hafren Dyfrdwy, and, as part of the management protocol, reservoir discharge releases have to be within a detailed set of rules and they're necessary to ensure there is no detrimental impact downstream. 

I am aware—. I've had correspondence from your constituents, which I know you, too, are aware of, and I did send them a detailed response back towards the end of last year, but I think it is really important that as much information as possible is given from these organisations to the public.