£56M investment for Wales’ flood and coastal defences

A £56M programme of investment has been announced which will see improved flood and coastal defences across Wales, benefitting over 6,500 properties.

Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn, announced the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme to support flood risk management activities across Wales over the next financial year.

The programme has been prioritised according to risk, with factors such as the likelihood and impact of a flood, previous events, the number of properties to benefit and the wider benefits of the scheme, taken into consideration.

Funding from the programme will be offered to local authorities and Natural Resources Wales to deliver flood risk management schemes, many of which will also deliver wider benefits to the local area, including habitat improvements, recreational benefits and reducing risk to infrastructure.

The new programme was developed in collaboration with representatives from Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Welsh Local Government Association, local authorities, Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

Major projects include:

• Machynys flood defences in Llanelli
• Leckwith in Cardiff
• Tidal works to the River Cadoxton
• Llansannan and Mochdre in Conwy
• Llanberis in Gwynedd
• Llanmaes in the Vale of Glamorgan
• Parc yr Onnen in Aberystwyth
• Llyn Tegid Reservoir works, Gwynedd

This announcement follows plans to develop a new Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre, which will inform decisions on coastal adaptation and potential schemes on a national basis.

The Welsh Government plans to allocate some £151M of capital investment for NRW and local authorities’ flood risk activities within this term.

The Minister said: “Flooding can have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected. This funding of £56M further demonstrates our commitment to reduce risk and build resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.

“We are investing in new schemes and major maintenance right across Wales. I have also protected NRW’s budget for flood risk management activities next financial year, as well as funding a new Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre which will improve our understanding of coastal processes and inform better decision making.

“I’m pleased to announce this ambitious programme, which will support communities and areas right across Wales who are most at risk from flooding and coastal erosion.”

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