Will the Minister provide an update on what flood mitigation measures exist for the quay, Carmarthen town, following the serious flooding experienced in January 2021?
We do not stipulate which locations Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) should focus attention on, but expect them to prioritise areas which reduce risk to homes and life. This approach is set out within our National Strategy. Businesses may also benefit from flood risk management schemes. The decision on whether a flood alleviation project is brought forward at Carmarthen Quay rests with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as the RMA for main rivers.
The Quay in Carmarthen was constructed deliberately lower than other parts of the area to maximise access to the tidal reach of the river for loading and unloading vessels, a legacy of its industrial background. As a consequence, it will always be at risk of flooding. Investing in flood alleviation measures at the Quay would mean diverting funding away from high-risk communities elsewhere in Wales.