Thank you for writing to me concerning the proposed development of the Penrhos Coastal Park and red squirrels.
As you know, red squirrels have disappeared from much of Wales and England, largely as a result of the invasive non-native species of grey squirrel outcompeting them for food supply and space, and this has led to severe damage to our biodiversity that costs the UK economy around £1.8 billion a year.
It was for this reason I am encouraged by the UK government’s Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, which includes a multi-million pound Species Survival Fund to protect our rarest species, which includes red squirrels. This was no doubt in part thanks to the work of Virginia Crosbie MP, who as dedicated much of her time to preventing the loss of important habitats for red squirrels. It is unfortunate that this will not apply here in Wales, and that the Welsh Government has not put forward their own plan.
The Penrhos Coastal Park is well-known for its excellent contribution to supporting the red squirrel population, with its 27-acre woodland providing a safe home for them and other species, and its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a strong safeguard against unnecessary development. I do however recognise that the proposed development on the site of a £100m holiday resort would contribute significantly to the economy of Anglesey, and give Holyhead, the poorest part of North Wales, a much needed boost with commitment from the company involved that at least 80% of leisure workers and at least 35% of construction workers must come from the local area – as well as the commitment to include apprenticeship schemes and work placements.
As the Red Squirrel Species Champion in the Senedd and Shadow Minister for North Wales, my colleague, Darren Millar MS, has repeatedly raised concerns on this issue with Welsh Minister, but despite these efforts they have thus far declined to intervene.
My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I are in favour of protecting our biodiversity, and believe Anglesey Council and the planners involved should take every step not to jeopardise the careful natural balance that is maintained presently at the site.
I thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards,