New funding support for the County Council’s North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Plan has been welcomed.
Earlier today (Tuesday, July 9th), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Chief Executive, David Peattie pledged £495,000 towards the plan, which will aid economic regeneration in the area. He made the announcement at the third NDA Stakeholder Summit, held at Coleg Menai’s Construction Centre, in Llangefni.
The funding will contribute to a package of measures aimed at boosting business activity, the supply chain and employment, increasing tourism, improving transport and infrastructure and reviving the High Street.
Anglesey’s Economic Development team moved quickly to draw up a robust North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Plan, after plans for Wylfa Newydd were postponed and news of the closure of the Rehau factory in Amlwch. The plan will also respond to the impacts of the decommissioning of the Wylfa Power Station.
Addressing more than 200 delegates from across the UK and overseas at the NDA Stakeholder Summit, Anglesey Council Leader, Cllr Llinos Medi said, "As an Authority, we’ve worked with local communities and stakeholders to respond to the challenges facing North Anglesey and focus our efforts on supporting those affected. This plan was shaped by local residents and businesses as part of major consultation process.”
“The significant funding provided by the NDA is welcomed and will enable us to progress some of the key priorities that have been identified locally to help regenerate North Anglesey.”
Cllr Medi also emphasised the continued importance of the County Council’s Energy Island Programme, adding, “Our Energy Island Programme remains a key priority for the Council. It is a vital socio-economic plan aimed at increasing jobs, economic growth and prosperity by capitalising on a number of transformational energy projects being developed on Anglesey.”
News of the NDA funding was also greeted by Major Projects and Economic Development portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones.
Cllr Jones said, “Anglesey has previously benefitted from NDA funding and I can’t emphasise enough how important this socio-economic support is during such an uncertain time, particularly for North Anglesey. This funding will now enable us to progress some of the key priorities that have been identified locally to help regenerate North Anglesey.”
Despite Wylfa Newydd’s suspension, Cllr Jones also remained positive that new nuclear build will progress on Anglesey.
He added, “We continue to work positively with both UK and Welsh Governments and private stakeholders to influence and collaborate internationally, nationally and regionally. In doing so we are working to ensure that the local interests are protected, opportunities are promoted and inward investment attracted.”
“We still believe that the nuclear sector has an important role to play in the UK’s future energy mix and that both Anglesey and the wider North Wales region provides the right conditions for development.
The UK Government will publish its white paper on the proposed future funding model for nuclear build later this summer.
Ends 9.7.19