WIREDGOV

In a statement to Assembly Members, Alun Davies said:

“I am determined to help those authorities who face significant costs to repair essential flood defences. I have reviewed my Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management budgets and will be making £2 million available this financial year to support emergency works to our flood defence infrastructure.

“I can also confirm that around £9.m has already been allocated this financial year for repairs at Borth, Colwyn Bay and West Rhyl in order to improve vital coastal defence schemes.

“I am working with my Ministerial colleagues, particularly in respect of regeneration, local government and heritage to co-ordinate our whole government response to the floods and to identify other potential sources of funding. This will help  ensure that affected communities such as Aberystwyth quickly recover from the recent floods and remain open for business."

Following the storms in December and January, the Welsh Government contacted all affected authorities for initial reports of damage to the coastal defence infrastructure and other coastal assets and estimated funding needs. Current estimates suggest that close to £2million will be requested for emergency repairs.

The information provided suggests that coastal defences around Wales performed well and protected thousands of properties. While there was damage to some structures, the majority were said to be serviceable and most local authorities said they did not anticipate the need for Welsh Government funding to  repair the damage.  

Coastal defences and infrastructure which sustained damage include:

• Denbighshire: Works to rebuild the secondary sea wall in Rhyl 
• Conwy: Significant works to repair damage to flood defences and loss of beach sediment at Kinmel Bay, Llanddulas and Conwy Morfa as well as work to the harbourside at Deganwy
• Gwynedd: Immediate repairs at Criccieth, Aberdyfi and Pwllheli flood defences.  In addition, a significant breach in the sea defence at Llanbedr is in need of urgent repair
• Ceredigion: Repairs to Aberystwyth particularly to the sea defences and historic sea front
• Pembrokeshire: Short term temporary work to reinstate a damaged road in Amroth is already complete.  Longer term repairs to the sea wall will be required.

Alun Davies added:

“While current estimates for  emergency repairs to flood defence infrastructure is close to £2 million, I await more comprehensive reports from Natural Resources Wales to help assess further funding needs.  

“In addition to the impact on coastal defences, damage has been caused to historic buildings, transport links, promenades and the Wales Coast Path.

“Support packages are available for businesses affected by the recent floods and storms and we are working across Welsh Government departments to ensure that all relevant sectors are aware of the support available including through the Business Wales website and helpline.

“I am also continuing to explore a range of funding options both within and outside of the Welsh Government and discussions are ongoing with the UK Government and the European Commission.”