7. Debate on the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee Report: Annual Report on Natural Resources Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:09 pm on 22 June 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 4:09, 22 June 2022

Thank you, Jenny. A really good point. Intensive poultry units have been granted planning permission in Powys, and I have, for a number of months, well before the new administration in Powys took control, been asking for the cumulative effect of IPUs on our river pollution. However, it is really important that we're clear. There are three issues, and both NRW and all of the agencies concerned in the River Wye say that there are three issues that mean that the pollution level in the River Wye is high: one is agriculture; the second is storm overflows; and the third is industrial pollution. Now, to monitor all of those, NRW need additional resources, and I've been involved in stakeholder meetings with all of the stakeholders, including farmers, including NRW, Dŵr Cymru, all of those nature conservation agencies, to look at how we can move the issues forward in the River Wye. It is just not simple enough to blame and hold responsible farmers and IPUs.

If I may just finish, Llywydd dros dro, if that's okay, because I was nearing the end of my contribution. So, I was just focusing on the financial position for NRW. I'm keen to see a response from the Government that could look at additional resources in the short term that would help river pollution. It's not just about money, but NRW do need both short-term and long-term additional resources to help them to save Welsh rivers. Diolch yn fawr iawn.