Defending Pwllheli for 100 years – Joyce visits innovative north Wales flood project

Assembly member Joyce Watson was in Pwllheli over the Easter recess to find out about an innovative project that aims to manage local flooding over the next 100 years.
The Pwllheli climate change adaptation pilot project is one of only three studies being undertaken in Wales to see how flood risk can be managed in the long-term. The scheme aims to find sustainable solutions to deal with the effects of climate change in the 21st century.
The project is joint funded by the Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council and Natural Resources Wales. The Labour Mid and West AM met council officers at the Dwyfor Area Offices in Pwllheli earlier this month (7 April) for a progress update.
Mrs Watson said:
“The recent winter storms served as a reminder – and a warning – of the sorts of weather conditions we are likely to see more of in the coming years and decades.
“Pwllheli, with its proximity to the sea and extensive river network, is naturally vulnerable; but this is an issue for the whole country – across Wales, one in six properties is at risk of flooding.
“Climate scientists predict more frequent flooding and more severe flooding events in future, so we must plan and adapt now. That is what this project is about.”
The project’s proposals up to 2035 include maintaining current levels of coastal defence, dredging the Lleyn’s backwater river system and storage option, including wetland habitat improvement, for the Rhyd Hir river upstream of the A499.
In the medium-term (20-50 years), the project proposes diverting parts of the Erch, Rhydhir and Penrhos rivers. It suggests enhancing protection for Abererch village and raising the Pwllheli marina wall.
Over 50-100 years, the project recommends a ‘hold the line’ flood defence policy for Glan y Don, Pwllheli Harbour, Pwllheli Centre and South beach.
The Pwllheli pilot was launched in 2010. A draft report is currently being considered by the project board and the Welsh Government.
For more information about Joyce Watson’s work contact her office on 02920 898972 / www.joycewatson.co.uk