What discussions has the Minister and associated stakeholders had with the local community in Talybont, Ceredigion regarding flood mitigation measures, and what efforts can be made to ensure that the Talybont Community Flood Group is incorporated in such future discussions?
It is for Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) to engage with local communities regarding flood mitigation measures.
I understand that the local flood partnership group has previously been attended by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), who are the RMA responsible for managing the risk from the main river, the Afon Leri, downstream of the A487. Recently, community leads from Talybont attended NRW’s Flood Volunteer’s Network Event in October 2022. Following that event, NRW staff from the Flood Warning and Informing Team have been in contact with the community leads to assist them in updating their Community Flood Plan.
Ceredigion Council is the RMA responsible for managing the risk of flooding associated with the Afon Ceulan and the Afon Leri upstream of the A487. It is developing an outline business case to bring forward a scheme to address the risk of flooding from the ordinary watercourses. It conducted a site walkover with consultants and a local councillor on 10 November 2022. It intends to hold a stakeholder event for the local community in early 2023.
RMAs are funded to carry out flood alleviation works via the Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme. This year we are investing more than £71m – the highest level of funding ever provided in Wales in a single year. We have published the list of schemes being funded with an accompanying map here and interactive map providing more detail on the schemes included within the programme.