Joel James MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central, along with his colleagues from the Senedd Petitions Committee, Carolyn Thomas MS and Rhys ab Owen MS, visited Goytre Wharf today to discuss a petition that has garnered nearly 14,000 signatures.
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, established by Act of Parliament in 1792, has relied on water abstracted from the River Usk and its tributaries. The section of the River Usk at Brecon provides 80% of the water needed, and this water is returned to the river after passing through the canal, meaning it is not "consumed."
Historically, water abstraction did not require licenses, and for 200 years, this essential water supply has been provided at no cost. However, in recent months, the Canal and River Trust Wales, which manages the canal, has been instructed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to obtain a water abstraction license and adhere to its stringent conditions.
Without a daily supply of water through its locks, the canal will quickly become inoperable, leading to inevitable closure. The repercussions for local communities, the natural environment, and the regional economy would be severe.
Currently, the charity is incurring significant costs to pump water from Dwr Cymru, but this solution is not sustainable in the long term. NRW has indicated that they could provide the water required, but the associated costs are prohibitively high for the charity to manage.
Speaking about the visit, Joel James MS said:
As a member of the Petitions Committee, it was great to visit Goytre Wharf with my committee colleagues, and to see at first hand the impact that NRW licensing agreements are having on the sustainability of this historic canal – which has been in operation for well over 200 years.
The Monmouthsire and Brecon Canal is a fantastic asset, set in some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen – bringing jobs and enjoyment to countless residents.
Given the sheer about of signatures that this petition has received, it will be discussed in the Welsh Parliament. I believe a resolution is possible, and working alongside the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, and Welsh Water, I hope we can resolve this matter as soon as possible.
To view the petition, please click here.
