Plaid call for Welsh Government to set out clear plan to rescue Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project

Plaid MS Dr. Dai Lloyd has called on the Welsh Government to ‘break its silence’ and set out a clear plan to help deliver a Tidal Lagoon in Swansea Bay.

Next week, (June 30th) the Swansea Bay Tidal lagoon’s Development Consent Order is due to expire. If it’s not extended, anyone interested in taking the project forward will have to apply for a new DCO.

Dr. Lloyd will make his call directly to the Welsh Government’s Energy Minister Lesley Griffiths in a written question.

Dr. Lloyd has consistently criticised the Welsh Government for not sharing its thinking on the lagoon’s future, even though a report produced by the Swansea Bay City Region Taskforce was submitted to the Welsh Government in May 2019.

Dr. Lloyd stated:

“Plaid Cymru has long argued that this project has the ability to provide a much needed economic and environmental boost to Swansea and South West Wales.

“We are still hopeful that this project can get off the ground, but it will require political will.

“The UK Government has let Wales down in failing to back this scheme so it is vital that the Welsh Government steps up to the mark.

“I have been calling on the Welsh Government to show some leadership on this for some time. Unfortunately, they have made no comment on how they see this project developing.”

Dr. Lloyd added:

“The Swansea Bay City Region report was submitted to the Welsh Government in May 2019, however we have heard next to nothing since.

“It is vitally important that the Welsh Government outlines to the Welsh Parliament a clear timetable in terms of its decision making, and also provides clarity in terms of investment options, and its preferred model.

“This project has the potential to provide a significant environmental and economic boost to Swansea as we look to recover from the covid pandemic. Swansea, and South West Wales has waited far too long for this project to get off the ground already. We need to see action.”