|
Media Release Plaid AM Questions Cost of Sand Loss Plaid Cymru's Dr. Dai Lloyd grilled the Assembly's Environment Secretary on Wednesday, questioning if she was prepared to push Westminster for funding for remediation works, if a link was proved between commercial dredging and beach erosion. His questioning of Sue Essex comes on top of the deep concern expressed by coastal communities and all political parties, relating to the possible link between commercial dredging and coastal erosion. Dr. Dai Lloyd stated, "It is imperative that we confirm funding for not only remedial works if dredging is linked to beach erosion, but also for an on-going survey of the coast. If the Assembly can afford £15 million a year to maintain the artificial environment of Cardiff Bay, then I am sure that it can afford a more modest commitment to accurately measure the sand levels on Gower and the Vale Heritage Coast." Wirral Council have been surveying their coastline for over 45 years and now carry out a regular electronic survey of their local beaches. With modern GPS (global positioning system) urveying equipment, such surveys are now carried out quickly and very cheaply. He added, "It is imperative that the many promised reports and studies to be published on the possible links between dredging and erosion, are made public in order to encourage the fullest public debate." Dai Lloyd said that if a link was proved, then it was the responsibility of Westminster to fund any remedial works necessary, as all previous licenses were granted prior to the establishment of the Assembly. The costs of erosion could well rise steeply, as stretches of coastline such as Llangennith and Jersey Marine relied on sand as their only coastal defence. Alternative defences would not only cost millions of pounds, but would also not be as effective in absorbing the energy from the storm wave environment of the Atlantic storms frequenting on the South Wales coast. ENDS / DIWEDD 8th Dr. Dai Lloyd tel. 029 20898283 / 07974 001076 |