UPDATE: The announcement of a new nuclear plant at Wylfa on Anglesey has just intensified the urgency for a third Menai crossing, according to Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan. The UK Government confirmed last month that Wylfa will host the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), marking a significant shift in energy strategy.
This development comes five years after a previous attempt to establish a large-scale nuclear facility collapsed due to funding disagreements between Hitachi and the UK Government. The need for a third crossing has been a pressing issue, worsened by ongoing closures and roadworks on the Menai Suspension Bridge. Morgan emphasized the critical need for infrastructure improvements, stating, “The case for a third Menai crossing becomes stronger when you’ve got that kind of investment in North Wales.”
The construction of the SMR site is expected to place additional strain on the existing road network, particularly during its development phase. Morgan stated, “We need to ensure that the current infrastructure is resilient,” highlighting the importance of immediate action to address transportation challenges.
The First Minister also pointed to the potential economic impact of the Wylfa development, which is projected to create 3,000 jobs during peak construction. This investment is vital for the region, as it aims to secure employment opportunities for local youth who were previously trained for jobs in the old Wylfa facility but had to relocate when the project failed.
In her comments, Morgan noted the forward-looking nature of the Wylfa project, calling it “the first of its type, certainly in Europe.” She further emphasized the synergy between the nuclear plant and the planned AI growth zone nearby, stating that this combination will produce thousands of additional jobs.
During a recent investment summit, attended by the Prince of Wales and representatives from global companies like Nvidia and Vodafone, Morgan reiterated her commitment to making Wales an attractive destination for business. “We’re focusing on areas where we excel, such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences,” she said.
Additionally, Morgan expressed her desire to expedite planning processes, aiming for Wales to become the quickest place in the UK to obtain planning permissions. “We need to tailor our educational offerings to meet business demands,” she added.
As discussions evolve regarding the future of the A55 and the potential for improvements to the Brittania Bridge, the urgency for a third Menai crossing remains at the forefront of regional infrastructure needs. Morgan’s proactive stance in lobbying for expedited development signals a significant shift in tackling these long-standing issues.
The implications of the Wylfa nuclear project extend beyond immediate job creation; it aims to revitalize the local economy while addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Morgan concluded, “It’s all about building relationships and ensuring that the investments made in Wales resonate positively with local communities.”
As developments unfold, the pressure mounts for decision-makers to enhance road infrastructure in line with the new nuclear initiative. For residents and stakeholders in North Wales, the call for action has never been more urgent.
