Party says transport and prevention key to improving health in west Wales

THE GREEN PARTY says tackling the root causes of ill-health must be a priority for the next Senedd following the publication of a new report on rural healthcare.

The report from Llais highlights the difficulties faced by many residents in rural west Wales when accessing health services. Campaigners say the findings will come as little surprise to communities who have long fought to protect local hospital services.

Members of the Green Party attended the Bronglais Mega Hug protest on February 7, supporting calls for stroke services to remain at Bronglais Hospital.

Amy Nicholass, the Ceredigion Penfro Green Party lead candidate in May’s Senedd election, said transport remains one of the biggest barriers to accessing healthcare in rural areas.

“Transport is recognised by Llais as one of the most important factors in accessing health services – or rather the lack of adequate transport, especially public transport,” she said.

“In the Green Party we have recognised this as an issue for a long time and we have policies that will address these problems.”

Nicholass also said the report highlights growing public demand for a stronger focus on preventing ill-health rather than simply treating illness once it occurs.

“Prevention is much cheaper than cure,” she said. “Prevention involves much more than what we might think of as healthcare. It means people having decent homes, healthy affordable food, and relationships, work or education that support good mental health.”

The party says that if elected to the Senedd in May, its representatives would push for healthcare services to remain closer to local communities while also tackling wider social factors affecting public health.

Speaking at the Bronglais protest, Nicholass added: “Every time consultations have happened – in 2012, 2022 and again in 2025 – residents in this rural part of Wales have felt sidelined. Judging by the crowd, we won’t be silenced and we won’t be sidelined.”

THE ROYAL WELSH Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) are collaborating to launch a new Welsh Sheep Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Located on the site of the former NSA Pavilion, the village will celebrate the Welsh sheep industry’s importance. Including trade stands and educational activities, it’s designed to showcase innovation and good practice to farmers, whilst helping the wider public understanding of sheep farming and the vital role it plays in shaping our landscape and heritage.

Called Cynefin – Welsh for “habitat” or “place of belonging” – the village will reflect the deep connection between land, sheep farming, and community in Wales.

RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, said: “Sheep farming and the generations of farmers who have worked the land have shaped our Welsh landscape. We are delighted to be working closely with the NSA to introduce this exciting new concept which celebrates our rich farming history.

“The sheep section already covers almost four acres of our showground, so it’s evidently a major part of the Royal Welsh Show. We host one of the largest and most diverse collection of sheep breeds of any show in the world and have world-class shearing and wool handling competitions.

“The new Sheep Village, alongside the Meirion Shearing Centre, the exhibition halls and the sheep ring, will further elevate the industry’s status.”

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, added:“Cynefin, the sheep village, is a new concept that gives NSA and RWAS an opportunity to introduce a fresh approach on how we profile sheep farming at the Royal Welsh Show. 

“One of the most valuable things we can do for the industry is to play our part in explaining and showcasing sheep farming to the public and celebrate the great innovation and technology that we use. 

“We have a great industry which is far more progressive than many realise and our approach to producing food and fibre works well alongside managing our landscape, providing for nature and maintaining rural communities and economies. 

“If we can do more to showcase this, then our new partnership venture at the Royal Welsh Show will be worthwhile.”

The popular NSA Bar and Restaurant will also form part of the new village, together with a new open air courtyard offering a welcoming space for farmers and showgoers to meet and relax.

Steve Tandy makes three changes as Wales prepare for Dublin test

HEAD COACH Steve Tandy has named the Wales team to face Ireland in the fourth round of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, March 6 (kick-off 8:10pm, live on ITV1 and S4C).

There are three changes to the starting XV as Wales prepare to play in their alternate kit for the trip to Dublin.

James Botham is selected at openside flanker for his first start of this year’s Championship. Alex Mann moves to blindside flanker, while Aaron Wainwright continues at No.8.

Dan Edwards starts at fly-half and Ellis Mee is named on the wing, with both players making their third appearance for Wales in this year’s Six Nations.

Among the replacements, Louie Hennessey is in line to make his senior international debut. Adam Beard and Olly Cracknell provide additional forward cover on the bench.

Tandy said: “There are a couple of enforced changes this week due to injury. Ellis played well in the opening couple of rounds and we feel he deserves another opportunity.

“This week is about building on the performance against Scotland. Going away from home brings a different environment for the group, but our focus is on improving what we did last time out.

“I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved and we want to build on that going to Ireland. They are very strong in possession and move the ball well, so we know we’ll need to raise our performance again.”

Speaking about Hennessey’s potential debut, Tandy added: “Louie was unfortunate not to get his opportunity in the autumn but he’s trained extremely well. He had a knock to his hand at the start of the campaign, but the way he has recovered and performed in training has been very impressive. We’re all excited to see him potentially get his chance in Dublin.”

Wales team v Ireland – Guinness Six Nations 2026

15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 38 caps)
16. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 6 caps)
17. Eddie James (Scarlets – 7 caps)
18. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 9 caps)
19. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 68 caps)
20. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 9 caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 70 caps)
22. Rhys Carre (Saracens – 26 caps)
23. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 29 caps) captain
24. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 80 caps)
25. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 29 caps)
26. Ben Carter (Dragons – 17 caps)
27. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 14 caps)
28. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 19 caps)
29. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 65 caps)

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 46 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 61 caps)
18. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 14 caps)
19. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 63 caps)
20. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 3 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 30 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 16 caps)
23. Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby – uncapped)

Wales – 2026 Six Nations results and fixtures

Saturday, Feb 7: England 48–7 Wales – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
Sunday, Feb 15: Wales 12–54 France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday, Feb 21: Wales 23–26 Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Friday, Mar 6: Ireland v Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8:10pm)
Saturday, Mar 14: Wales v Italy – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4:40pm)