6. Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: The Welsh National Marine Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:56 pm on 12 November 2019.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 3:56, 12 November 2019

Thank you, Mike Hedges, who, obviously, is the Chair of the climate change committee. In relation to cross-referencing, it's certainly something that I can look at and speak to the Minister for local government about, because, obviously, the NDF hasn't been brought forward yet, but I think that would be, obviously, very helpful for people to be able to access both of those documents in the way that you suggest. So, I'm very happy to speak to her and look at that.

I should have probably said in my answer to Llyr that we've had a new consenting strategic advisory group. What that does is provide a forum for open and honest discussion, I think, about key consenting challenges, for instance. That's not unique to Wales, but I think, again, that will help in relation to the points that Mike Hedges raised.

I too share your disappointment about the tidal lagoon. Clearly, it was something that the UK Government chose not to take forward. But I do think there are many opportunities for renewable energy in our seas around Wales.

I also didn't answer the question to Llyr around coastal communities and, clearly, I'm aware of which community you are discussing. This is something that's going to have to be looked at very carefully over the coming years, and you'll be aware, for instance, that we supported Gwynedd Council with funding to undertake research. It's a discussion that the UK Government are also having, because, as we see, the effects of climate change—it's clearly a very sensitive discussion that needs to take place. But I think in the first instance, it's really important that our local authorities discuss it with the local population.