Business

Murco Task Force asking for expressions of interest for £3.5m funding

Published

11 years ago

December 5, 2014

Recovery fund: Business will apply for funding

TWO FUNDS, worth £3.5m, to boost employment opportunities in Pembrokeshire in the wake of the collapse of the Murco deal will be opened later this month, Edwina Hart told members of the Murco Task Force on Thursday (Dec 4).

The opening of the expression of interest phase of the Wales Economic Growth Fund on December 15 will follow the first in a series of events arranged by the Murco Task Force, which has been established to support the Murco employees and contractors and businesses in the supply chain. An event to provide business advice and support for the wider contractor network will take place on December 9 and a jobs fair will take place on December 10.

A £3 million Wales Economic Growth Fund will support current suppliers to Murco to diversify and projects which will create or safeguard jobs in Pembrokeshire. Providing grants of between £50,000 and £500,000, it aims to support some 30 businesses and safeguard or create up to 300 jobs in the area.

A £500,000 Small Capital Investment Fund is also open for applications from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pembrokeshire. This fund will provide grants between £5,000 and £25,000 (and £50,000 in exceptional circumstances) in this financial year, towards projects that create or sustain jobs, or grow businesses. Priority will be given to SMEs in the Energy and Environment sector or supply chain which have been heavily impacted by the Murco position and those in deprived wards.

Edwina Hart AM

The Minister said: “The collapse of the sale of the Murco Oil Refinery was a bitter blow for the whole of Pembrokeshire and our priority now is safeguarding as many jobs as possible in the area. These two funds will go a considerable way towards achieving this by supporting businesses and individuals in the area to diversify or grow their businesses and to make the most of the opportunities provided by Superfast Broadband. “

The Wales Economic Growth Fund will be open for expressions of interest from December 15 until January 19 2015. The application window will then be open from January 26 until February 23 and the first awards are expected to be made in the next financial year.

The Small Capital Investment Fund operated through Business Wales is already open for applications and will remain open until the end of January 2015. Grants will be awarded to projects that can use the grant funding in this financial year and will result in the creation and sustaining of jobs, or growth of businesses Both funds are discretionary, terms and conditions apply

Commenting on the news that two funds, worth a total of £3.5 million and introduced by Welsh Business Minister Edwina Hart to support Murco employees, contractors and suppliers following the closure of the facility, Preseli MP Stephen Crabb said:

“I am very pleased with this latest support package for those affected by the closure of Murco refinery – which will assist direct employees and those local businesses up the supply chain.”

“Without doubt these two funds will help a number of local companies to diversify their business following the closure of the refinery. But this is only a first step – money alone won’t solve the underlying problems facing the Pembrokeshire economy.”

“That is why I am writing to Carwyn Jones to call for a strategic long-term plan for the West Wales economy. We need a more supportive business environment, better transport links and all levels of government working together to make Pembrokeshire a great place to start or grow a business. For too long our County has relied on oil and petroleum alone for economic strength. This needs to change.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

9 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.