Written question WQ84909
- Asked by
- Natasha AsgharConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the environmental impact of the dualling of the A465 between Dowlais and Hirwaun?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change
A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was undertaken as part of the scheme development stage in accordance with the requirements of the Section 105A of the Highways Act 1980 and EIA Directive 2014/52/EU.
In accordance with this legislation, the findings of the EIA was reported in the Environmental Statement (ES) which was published in July 2017 as part of the statutory process. See links below to the ES and the Non-Technical Summary:
https://gov.wales/a465-section-5-and-6-dowlais-top-hirwaun-environmental-statement
The ES, which was developed in consultation with statutory environmental stakeholders, identified the main environmental effects of the scheme and described the proposed measures to avoid, remedy or reduce effects and provide environmental enhancement where practicable.
Additionally, as part of the design process and in line with Welsh Government’s duty under Section 28G of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, measures to minimise and mitigate any potential effects on SSSIs have been incorporated into the scheme.
The independent Roads Review Panel will be looking at the impact of future schemes and whether they align with Llywbr Newydd, and will provide general guidance on what circumstances investment in the road network is acceptable.