North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called on the Welsh Government to learn from the failings in the clean-up of Holyhead Marina after it was hit by Storm Emma earlier this month.

Raising the issue with the Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs in the Assembly Chamber yesterday, Mr Isherwood said the statutory sector’s delay in response to the aftermath of the storm resulted in members of the public cleaning up the debris themselves. He therefore urged the Welsh Government to take action to ensure a better and faster approach in the future.            

Speaking in the Chamber, he said:

“After Storm Emma hit on 1 March, there were immediate warnings from the community that diesel, debris, polystyrene would get out to the open sea if urgent action wasn't taken, but the environmental booms didn't go in until the Sunday afternoon. And, despite warnings by the Council, Coastguard and Police that people shouldn't take on board the clean-up themselves, from the day after, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Holyhead Sailing Club and members of the public started to clear away the debris because of that risk and because of the delay from statutory intervention.

“What lessons has the Welsh Government learned from this, so that, in future, better engagement with the community can occur, but also a more joined-up approach to responding quickly, before the damage, diesel and debris start leaking out from the harbour into the broader environment?”

In her response the Cabinet Secretary said: “I think there was a quick response.”