4. What priority is the Welsh Government giving to astronomy within its science policy? OQ56903

Given current pressures on the Welsh Government budget, exacerbated by the loss of structural funds, astronomy is not currently featuring as a high science policy priority.  

I'm very disappointed to hear that response, Minister. You'll be aware that star gazing and astronomy is a passion of many people across Wales and, in fact, it's something of a passion of mine. I took it up— [Inaudible.]—lockdown while were in the early stages of the pandemic, and one of the things that I think is very striking about Wales is that we have some wonderful areas with dark skies, where astronomy really is something that people can enjoy to the fullest. One of the areas that's blessed with dark skies is, of course, the Clwydian range and Dee Valley area of natural outstanding beauty, which, hopefully, will soon be becoming a national park in north-east Wales. And I would like to call upon the Welsh Government to consider establishing a national observatory for Wales in the Clwydian range and Dee Valley national park in order to promote scientific research in astronomy and, indeed, to encourage visitors and others to take an interest in visiting north-east Wales. Can I ask that you reconsider the prioritisation of astronomy to look at whether this can be something that the Welsh Government can bring forward in the future? 

With respect, I think the Member is really asking me about the visitor economy rather than science policy. I do think, though, I welcome his support for the Welsh Labour Government manifesto pledge to create a national park based on the Clwydian range. I'm not sure every Conservative Member has been quite as supportive as I am delighted to hear the Member being. If there is a serious proposal for an observatory then we'll of course look at the business plan if it's presented to us. 

Minister, I'm sure you'll be aware of the ambition held by the astronomy tourism specialist, Dark Sky Wales, to open a national planetarium for Wales on the site of the former Tower colliery at Hirwaun. Do you agree that this proposed astronomy facility could provide a significant boost to the tourism economy of the south Wales Valleys, building on the success of Zip World at the same site and further enhancing the economic regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area? 

I do recognise that dark skies can be something that will attract people to come to Wales who wouldn't otherwise do so and, actually, it's an asset for us as well. So, there are challenges for us about protecting dark sky status where it exists. And I should say that I recognise that the former Tower site is already having a significant positive impact as part of our tourist economy. So, further proposals on that site are things that I'd welcome seeing in more detail. I've had the opportunity to enjoy some of what's already available, and I look forward to visiting again with my family in the future, but I do think this is an area where we can have more to add to our already successful visitor economy here in Wales.