9. Short Debate: The impact of Natural Resources Wales's phosphate regulations

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:01 pm on 30 June 2021.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 6:01, 30 June 2021

(Translated)

Thank you very much to James for giving of his time to allow me to contribute, and thank you for bringing this debate forward. Of course, water pollution is an issue that needs to be tackled, and that needs to be done with the collaboration of stakeholders. What we've seen here, however, is NRW identifying a problem but failing to collaborate with stakeholders in order to find a rational solution. There are plans, as we've already heard from Peter Fox, for the development of social housing and affordable homes that are being held up at the moment because of this policy. We have local development plans, city regions and national development frameworks all at risk of being affected by this new and hasty policy.

We need to look at collaboration with water providers in order to see what investment is necessary on water treatment plants, or look to redirect pipes to existing wetlands or develop new wetlands. We must learn the lessons, therefore, and ensure that all stakeholders are part of this conversation before such far-reaching decisions are taken in the future. And, in this case, we need to bring stakeholders together to see how they can all play their part in finding a long-term solution to this problem. Thank you.