Speaking in the Assembly Chamber this week, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood outlined the need for “significant electricity transmission infrastructure” in North Wales.
Questioning the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mr Isherwood said efficient and reliable electricity infrastructure is vital in light of the number of developments on Anglesey.
He said:
“Last Thursday, the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee visited the Anglesey Enterprise Zone. We met representatives of the Board - Anglesey Council, Menter Môn, third sector, businesses and education - and they told us how important the ‘significant electricity transmission infrastructure’ is not only to the development of Wylfa Newydd, the new nuclear power station, but also to the Holyhead Port expansion, proposals for new offshore tidal power, and so on.
“What engagement, therefore, are you having with the Board of Anglesey Enterprise Zone to take advice on sustainable electricity transport infrastructure in the future, and how will you ensure that those communication channels remain open in the future following this morning's announcement (by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates) that Anglesey's Enterprise Zone Board is to be merged with that of Snowdonia?”
The Cabinet Secretary, Mark Drakeford AM, said he agreed “about the need for an efficient and reliable electricity infrastructure, not simply for the Wylfa Newydd development, but for the broader agenda that is there for Anglesey as an energy island”.
He added:
“I can give him an assurance that officials of the Welsh Government are in very regular contact with the essential interests in the island on this matter and I'll make sure that his question to me is drawn to the attention of the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport.”