2. Will the Minister make a statement on the management of dams in mid Wales? OAQ54459

Natural Resources Wales is responsible for managing reservoirs in mid Wales, with the Clywedog and Vyrnwy reservoirs falling within their north operational area. I am aware of concerns surrounding the management of these reservoirs, and my officials are working with the Environment Agency and NRW to resolve any issues.

Thank you, Minister, and I am pleased to hear that answer. There is real concern, and there's been ongoing concern for some time now, in regard to the operating rules and agreements of both dams, because water has been topping over both dams, that both of us have mentioned, and this has caused great flooding in large parts of my constituency. So, I would be grateful if we could expedite a review of the operating rules and agreement, and if you could liaise with your officials, Natural Resources Wales, and with the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water, to bring about that review as soon as possible, because I think we've got to the point now where landowners are feeling absolutely exasperated.

Thank you. I am aware that, I think, you attended the last Clywedog and Vyrnwy liaison group meeting, which obviously my officials attended also. And there's the tripartite agreement between NRW, the Environment Agency and Hafren Dyfrdwy. I know they've already implemented some interim measures, to alter the timings of water releases, for instance, and that's based on downstream indicators. But, clearly, this is work that needs to continue. I think it's really important that the residents are aware of what's going on as well. So, I have asked my officials to attend a further meeting on the matter, along with NRW. I think it would be good if you could attend also; if you haven't had an invitation, then certainly I will make sure that you do have an invitation. And, obviously, I'll be updated following that meeting, to decide on what further action we need to take, if any.