ARFON MS Siân Gwenllian has welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Government, achieved through the Plaid Cymru Cooperation Agreement, that will see it introduce its largest flood protection programme yet.

The national scheme, totalling more than £214million in three years, will see in excess of £260,500 allocated in funding to provide flood mitigation at Bae Hirael in Bangor.

Flooding has been a persistent and tiresome part of life for Hirael residents; there are generations’ worth of anecdotes about travelling from one house to another in small boats during floods.

Flood warnings were issued for parts of Hirael Bay as recently as in February, in response to Storm Eunice.

But a recent announcement by the Welsh Government gives residents hope that flooding is a part of their past.

The announcement follows a commitment as part of the Cooperation Agreement with Plaid Cymru to increase investment for flood management and mitigation.

According to Welsh Government figures, the work at Bae Hirael would see 198 homes benefitting from the scheme.

Ms Gwenllian said: “I welcome the commitment secured through Plaid Cymru’s Cooperation agreement with the Welsh Government that will see £267,500 allocated for flood mitigation work at Bae Hirael.

“Local people who live in constant fear of flooding and damage to property desperately need this reassurance.”

READ MORE:

Flood ground investigations get underway in Bangor

In an exchange with Ms Gwenllian on the Senedd floor last week, Lee Waters MS, deputy minister for climate change, confirmed plans for the Hirael flood prevention work.

He said: “Gwynedd Council are designing a scheme to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal erosion at Hirael Bay.

“Natural Resources Wales are also reviewing the modelling data of the Afon Adda.

“The review will confirm the current standard of protection and consider the potential future risk associated with climate change.

“Hirael is challenged with being at risk from a combination of tidal, pluvial and fluvial sources—from the sea, the river and the sky.

“This will get worse as climate change intensifies—we know this is the case—and Hirael is particularly vulnerable.

“So, we are investing, as she mentions, £213m in flood schemes, and this includes a scheme in Hirael Bay.

“It is currently at the detailed design stage with Gwynedd Council, and construction is designed to begin this coming financial year.”

Ms Gwenllian praised the “proactive response”.

She added: “Hirael residents have had their fair share of difficulties as a consequence of flooding, and as people living in coastal areas face an increased risk due to climate change, this proactive response from the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru is crucial.”