WALES risks falling behind on its long-term infrastructure needs unless major barriers to planning, funding and delivery are tackled, a leading advisory body has warned.

The National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW) this week (Mar 23) published two major reports setting out what the country will need over the next 80 years — and why current systems are failing to deliver.

The Wales Infrastructure Assessment examines key sectors including energy, transport, water, digital and the circular economy, while a separate Infrastructure Delivery Report focuses on how projects can be better planned, funded and completed.

The Commission says that despite strong policies already in place, many major projects are delayed or fail to progress due to systemic problems. These include complex approval processes, short-term political and funding cycles, and a shortage of skilled workers.

It also highlights a lack of joined-up thinking across sectors, with transport, energy and digital systems often planned in isolation, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

Concerns were also raised about fragile confidence among communities and investors, driven by frequent policy changes, inconsistent engagement and uncertainty over long-term funding.

NICW has identified eight priority actions to improve delivery, including longer-term funding commitments, planning reform, better collaboration between sectors, investment in skills, and earlier engagement with communities.

Dr David Clubb, Chair of the Commission, said: “Wales has no shortage of ambition. What we face is a shortage of delivery. Unless we address the structural barriers in the system, we will not meet the needs of current or future generations.

“The next Senedd must be prepared to make long-term, and sometimes difficult, choices.”

The reports also stress the importance of better data and long-term planning, drawing on international approaches to support more informed decision-making.

With the Senedd election approaching, the Commission said the next Welsh Government will have a critical opportunity to reset how infrastructure is delivered — and warned that failure to act could undermine economic growth, climate targets and public confidence.

FRESH details have emerged about Nottingham attacker Valdo Calocane, linking him to a previously reported incident in Pembrokeshire involving alleged violence towards an animal.

Calocane carried out a fatal knife attack in Nottingham in the early hours of Tuesday, June 13, 2023, killing University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, along with 65-year-old Ian Coates. He also attempted to kill three others.

The then 31-year-old was later given a hospital order in January 2024 after admitting three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as well as three counts of attempted murder.

It had previously been established that Calocane was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020 and had been detained under mental health legislation on multiple occasions. Reports also indicated he experienced auditory hallucinations, which he said caused him difficulties.

He had been discharged from the care of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in September 2022, less than a year before the killings. That decision was later criticised in a Care Quality Commission report.

Now, an inquiry hearing on Tuesday, March 18 has been told of a possible earlier incident during Calocane’s time in Pembrokeshire.

Evidence presented to the inquiry stated that a former housemate, who lived with Calocane while he was attending Pembrokeshire College, contacted police following the Nottingham attacks. She claimed he had a history of mental health problems dating back several years.

The witness also described an incident involving alleged violence towards an animal, although full details were not disclosed during proceedings.

The inquiry further heard that Calocane’s mother had previously spoken about him being bullied both in Portugal and the UK, where the family lived in what was described as a predominantly white community.

A consultant forensic psychiatrist who assessed Calocane while he was in custody noted unusual behaviour during evaluations, including inappropriate smiling and a refusal to engage with questions about hearing voices.

The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Nottingham attacks is ongoing.

Community invited to engage in key discussions ahead of election

TWO major public events focusing on climate challenges and Welsh democracy are set to take place in Narberth next month, with organisers encouraging residents to attend and take part.

The first event is a screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing film, which explores the growing risks posed by climate change and environmental damage to everyday life in Britain.

The screening will be held at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth on Friday, April 17 at 7:00pm.

The film features contributions from leading UK experts across climate science, food security, health, economics and national security. It aims to provide a clear and evidence-based overview of how environmental changes are already affecting communities, as well as outlining potential responses.

Organisers say the initiative is strictly non-partisan and is supported by a wide range of organisations, including the National Trust, the Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society and WWF.

Following the 45-minute screening, attendees will be invited to take part in a structured discussion focusing on what the issues mean for Pembrokeshire, including local resilience, preparedness and long-term planning.

A second event, a Green community hustings ahead of the Senedd elections, will take place the following week.

The hustings will be held at The Queens Hall, Narberth, on Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm, and will give residents the opportunity to meet candidates standing in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency and put questions directly to them.

Organisers say the event will include refreshments and an open discussion following the formal hustings.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth, who are hosting both events, say they hope the gatherings will encourage informed debate and greater public engagement ahead of the upcoming Senedd election.

Residents unable to attend are invited to submit written messages to be shared during the events.