3. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change: The Roads Review and National Transport Delivery Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:34 pm on 14 February 2023.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 3:34, 14 February 2023

I fully support Janet Finch-Saunders's request for a full debate. We need to be able to digest all the content here—and I do accept that you did apologise, Deputy Minister, for not publishing beforehand—because it is important for our constituents that we are able to engage fully in matters like this, and just glancing during the course of debate doesn't allow for that. 

You'll be aware that many local development plans contain national targets for the quarrying of aggregates for roads. This includes Craig-yr-Hesg quarry just outside of Pontypridd, which has been granted permission to proceed with an extension to its life and area quarried by Welsh Government, despite strong local objections. In reviewing the investment in roads, what consideration has been given to how this will impact on the need for aggregates? Communities such as Glyncoch have previously been told that the economic need for the aggregate outweighs environmental or health considerations, which is at odds with the approach you're outlining today in terms of the roads review. Therefore, I think we need some clarification. If there is a review in terms of the need for new roads and the investment in new roads, how will that then impact on the need for aggregate?