5. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip: World Heritage in Northwest Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:31 pm on 4 October 2022.

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Photo of Carolyn Thomas Carolyn Thomas Labour 4:31, 4 October 2022

I welcome the statement and the investment in the area, and I'm proud to say that north Wales now has three world heritage sites, including the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, which is fantastic. And I'm looking forward to the creation of the new national park as well. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area of outstanding natural beauty was designated thus because of its built heritage, its castles and its iron age hill forts and abbey as well. So, there's a lot of heritage in north Wales, which is fantastic. 

I think you've answered some of the questions that I was going to ask, because Heledd has raised them already, but I am concerned about the squeeze on public funding. You've worked with partners on this, but going forward on the programme for government and all the things that are in there, like the national museum for north Wales—that's just been mentioned—Theatr Clwyd, the AONB being designated a national park, all these things that come under culture and heritage in your portfolio, I'm just a bit worried about whether you'll be able to carry on delivering them with this squeeze on public service funding. Thank you.