Siambr · Andrew Griffin
Written questions
8 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 1 of 1.
WQ100781 · Tabled · Answered
Does the Welsh Government have any plans to reinstate the previously cancelled A5 A483 Halton roundabout improvement scheme, and if not, what measures are now proposed to address congestion and road safety at the junction?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
There are no current plans to reinstate this scheme. The A5/A483 Halton roundabout has, however, been considered as part of the A55/A494 and A483 Transport Needs and Resilience Review, which is being finalised to provide an evidence-based understanding of current and future challenges and opportunities across these corridors.
The review considers safety, congestion, resilience, connectivity, network performance, asset management and environmental issues, and its outcomes will inform future priorities and any potential interventions on the route.
WQ100773 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister provide an update on the proposed public local inquiry into the Glyndŵr National Park Designation Order 2026, including when the inquiry is expected to commence and when affected communities will be informed of the arrangements for participating in it?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness & the Constitution
The next steps for the Glyndŵr National Park Designation Order are currently under consideration by Welsh Ministers. Given the significance of the decision, Ministers are giving full and careful consideration to the available evidence, including the objections and representations received through the statutory designation and notification period processes. I will be making a statement on the next steps for the Glyndŵr National Park Designation Order in Plenary on 13 October 2026.
WQ100601 · Tabled · Answered
What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with Powys County Council regarding its plans to reduce precautionary winter gritting routes, and what assessment has she made of the impact of any reduction on rural communities, particularly school transport routes and access to health, emergency and other essential services?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
This written question has been transferred to me to answer. Local highway authorities are responsible for determining winter maintenance arrangements and gritting priorities on their local road networks. This is a matter for the relevant council to determine taking account of local circumstances, obligations under relevant highways and equality legislation and local decisions on budget and service priorities. I would expect the local authority to consider the impact of any changes on access to essential services, including school transport routes, and to ensure that eligible learners continue to receive suitable and safe transport arrangements in accordance with their statutory duties under the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008.
Welsh Government is responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the Strategic Road Network, including the trunk roads that pass-through Powys. The Strategic Road Network plays a vital role in connecting communities to employment, education, healthcare, emergency services and other essential destinations. Welsh Government, through its trunk road agents, maintains established winter service arrangements on the trunk road network to help keep key routes safe and available during periods of adverse weather. Responsibilities include winter service, severe weather response, incident management and maintaining network resilience.
We continue to work closely with local authorities, emergency planning partners and other stakeholders to support a coordinated, "one-network" approach to resilience and adverse weather planning, recognising the interdependence between the Strategic Road Network and local road networks across Wales.
WQ100351 · Tabled · Answered
When will the Cabinet Minister publish the assessment of asbestos-containing components in wind turbines and make it available to Members of the Senedd as per his commitment during Plenary on 1 July 2026?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Health and Safety Executive’s work to establish the extent of asbestos-containing components in UK wind turbines is ongoing. To date, no formal HSE report has been published and neither the UK Government nor HSE has announced a publication timetable. The Welsh Government continues to monitor the work being undertaken by HSE and industry stakeholders.
WQ99911 · Tabled · Answered
What plans does the Welsh Government have to increase support for aerial firefighting?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
We are reviewing the existing arrangements for Welsh Fire and Rescue Services to source aerial support, and will be discussing with the UK government and devolved governments the potential for a co-ordinated response to this problem as a UK wide issue.
I also expect it to be discussed at the Summit which the Prif Weinidog announced he will convene later this year, alongside wider preventative and operational action can be taken.
Whilst the main and most effective means of tackling wildfire is from ground level, aircraft can often make a valuable contribution in that compliments the work of firefighters on the ground.
Aerial firefighting is highly specialised work. There are only very few helicopters and pilots in the UK capable of undertaking it; the armed forces have no UK-based capability in this area.
WQ99826 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Welsh Government commit to funding the transport improvements proposed for Llanbedr, given that the original bypass scheme approved in 2020 was subsequently cancelled following the previous Welsh Government's roads review?
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport
The Welsh Government recognises the importance of improving transport in and around Llanbedr for local residents, businesses and visitors. We have already invested £1.4 million since 2023-24 to enable Cyngor Gwynedd to develop proposals, and a further £400,000 has been allocated through the Regional Transport Fund in 2026-27 to continue this important work.
The emerging package includes a relief road, together with improvements to road safety, public transport and active travel, and forms part of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee’s Regional Transport Plan. This reflects the collaborative approach being taken by local, regional and national partners to develop a solution that meets the needs of the community.
As the proposals continue to develop, the Welsh Government will continue to work closely with Cyngor Gwynedd, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee and other partners to develop an appropriate funding package to support delivery of the scheme. Any future investment will be considered through the established regional transport planning and funding process, alongside other regional priorities, affordability and the need to secure value for money.
WQ99510 · Tabled · Answered
What representations has the Welsh Government made regarding the undergrounding of the proposed Vyrnwy to Frankton transmission scheme, including consideration of the potential impact of overhead pylons on Montgomeryshire's rural landscapes and communities?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The Vyrnwy to Frankton transmission scheme will be decided by the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero under the Planning Act (2008) Development Consent Order (DCO) process.
Once an application to the UK Government has been made for a DCO, the Welsh Government will submit a consultation response. I expect all developers, when developing projects in Wales to consider Welsh policies, including any impacts or potential benefits for local communities at the early design stage. I also expect the Secretary of State to have regard to Welsh policies when deciding on whether to approve DCOs.
WQ99509 · Tabled · Answered
What factors will the Welsh Government consider when determining the proposed Eisgar Galed wind farm application, and how will the views of local communities be taken into account ?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
The proposed Esgair Galed Wind Farm will be considered in accordance with the statutory planning framework for Developments of National Significance (DNS). Applications for developments of national significance are determined in accordance with relevant national and local planning policies, together with any other material considerations that are considered relevant to the proposal.
The views of local communities are an important part of the DNS process. Developers are required to undertake consultation before submitting an application, providing opportunities for local residents, community councils, and other stakeholders to comment on proposals. Once an application is submitted, interested parties are able to make representations during the formal examination process, and those representations are considered alongside all other evidence before Welsh Ministers reach a decision. In the case of Esgair Galed, community engagement has already been undertaken and further opportunities for local communities to express their views will be available through the statutory consultation and examination processes should an application be submitted.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.