Business
Welsh Government awaits vital regulator decision on Cardiff Airport investment
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed that it is awaiting the assessment from the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) on its proposed long-term strategy for Cardiff Airport. A formal statement was released today by Rebecca Evans, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.
The proposed strategy, initially announced on 22nd July 2024 by the then Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport and North Wales, outlines plans for a significant investment to revitalise Cardiff Airport. The strategy includes measures to increase passenger numbers, expand route offerings, and enhance infrastructure to make the airport more competitive and financially sustainable. It also aims to strengthen Cardiff Airport’s role in boosting regional economic growth and improving connectivity in Wales.
Cardiff Airport has faced numerous challenges in recent years, most notably the loss of key international routes, including Qatar Airways’ decision not to resume its service between Cardiff and Doha, a significant blow to the airport’s status as an international hub. The airport has also struggled to attract a consistent passenger base and maintain profitability, even with prior injections of public funds since its acquisition by the Welsh Government in 2013.
In compliance with established procedures for investments of this nature, the Welsh Government referred the proposal to the CMA on 15th August 2024. The CMA’s role is to assess whether the proposed investment aligns with market regulations and does not distort competition. The CMA’s assessment of the package is expected to be published today, 2nd October 2024.
Responding to the CMA’s assessment, Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, expressed concerns over the government’s handling of the airport. “The report highlights concerns over the effectiveness of Labour’s subsidy plan and raises serious questions about its economic impact. It is important that Wales has a successful international airport and we must ensure that jobs are protected. Yet, Labour’s oversight has failed to capitalise on its potential, leaving the airport underperforming despite significant public funding,” she said.
Asghar further argued that the solution lies in a change of ownership. “A well-managed airport is essential for Wales’ economy, and the Welsh Conservatives believe Cardiff Airport should be sold to secure its long-term success and finally give Welsh taxpayers some respite.”
Rebecca Evans stated that the government would “take the time necessary to give full consideration to the CMA’s assessment and determine if we need to refine our proposed programme of investment on the basis of that assessment.” She indicated that a formal update would be provided to the Senedd once a decision has been reached on how to proceed. Until then, the Welsh Government will refrain from making any further comments on the proposed subsidy package.
The CMA’s decision is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Cardiff Airport and could significantly influence the broader economic landscape of Wales.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Business
52 homes to be built in Roch as scheme gets final sign-off
THE FINAL stage of approval for a near-£10m Pembrokeshire residential development of 52 homes has been given the go-ahead.
Back in April, members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee backed an application by Wakefield Pembrokeshire Ltd for the development, which includes four one-bed affordable housing units, on land near Pilgrims Way, Roch.
18 objections to the scheme were received, raising concerns including an “inadequate” affordable housing level, it being a high density development for a rural area, a loss of green space, the size of some of the homes, and pressures on existing services and facilities, and fears it may lead to an increase in second homes.
Nolton & Roch Community Land Trust (N&RCLT) has raised its concerns about a lack of affordable homes at the development, calling for a 20 per cent affordable homes element, as recommended by policy.
An officer report for members, recommending conditional approval, said: “It is apparent that the proposed development is not fully policy compliant, insofar as it cannot deliver the indicative 20 per cent affordable housing sought [by policy].
“However, a substantial positive social impact will arise through the provision of housing, including four one-bed affordable housing units, in meeting identified needs for both market and affordable housing.
“Financial obligations identified to mitigate adverse impacts arising from the proposed development cannot be met in full. However, [policy] acknowledges that in such circumstances contributions may be prioritised on the basis of the individual circumstances of each case.”
Speaking at the meeting, agent Gethin Beynon said the project had a “significant economic value” of around £10m, and the local applicant had “a sense of stewardship to the local community,” offering affordable housing and community infrastructure towards highways and education.
Approval was delegated to the council’s head of planning to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 planning obligation, making community financial contributions.
The Section 106 agreement was recently agreed, with the application now formally approved.
Business
World of engineering and welding SPARCs interest in Ysgol Harri Tudur’s female learners
AN EVENT hosted by Ledwood Engineering gave girls from Year 8 and 9 at Ysgol Harri Tudur first-hand experience of the world of engineering recently.
Engineering is a booming sector in Pembrokeshire with a high demand for skilled workers in exciting career pathways associated with the development of low carbon and renewable energy industry and the Celtic Freeport.
The young women heard from industry experts on the importance of engineering in Pembrokeshire, and had hands on experience using a welding simulator, at the company’s Pembroke Dock site.
The learners are part of the County’s SPARC (Sustainable Power and Renewable Construction) initiative aimed as inspiring and empowering young females to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways where females are under-represented in the workforce.
SPARC is funded through an alliance comprising Blue Gem Wind, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven, RWE Renewables, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire College and the Swansea Bay City Deal.
Mrs Laura Buckingham, SPARC practitioner at Ysgol Harri Tudur said: “Our learners had a fantastic experience at Ledwood Engineering. They were given lots of advice by industry experts on the different career options and pathways within the engineering sector.
“They appreciated the opportunity to ask their questions and found the session very informative. Having the chance to trial their welding skills on the simulator was an experience they continue to talk about and has definitely piqued their interest.”
Poppy Sawyer, Year 8 SPARC learner added: ‘It was a really good trip. Talking to the different people there has helped me know more about the jobs we could get which will be very useful when making choices for my future.”
“They helped us a lot by giving us lots of information. We were able to look around and try welding. It was really fun,” added Tianna Marshall, Year 8 SPARC learner.
The Regional Learning and Skills Partnership also launched its Explore Engineering interactive website at the event.
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