The Deputy First Minister has visited a community living in the
shadow of a disused coal tip in Rhondda Cynon Taf to discuss the
significant ongoing investment being made to protect communities
like theirs across Wales.
The Graig Ddu Dinas Tip, located above Graigddu Road in Dinas,
represents one of several projects being supported by the Welsh
Government to ensure communities are safe for generations to
come.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has received nearly £40m
in Coal Tip Safety Grant funding since 2021, including over £11m
of funding allocated this year.
The funding is being used for tip monitoring and regular
inspections, severe weather reactive repairs, maintenance and
vegetation management, and detailed reviews of priority tips
including drainage assessments and stability work.
Earlier this month, first of its kind legislation in the UK, to
protect Welsh communities from disused tips, both coal and
non-coal, was also passed by the Senedd.
The Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill will create the
Disused Tips Authority for Wales to address safety risks posed by
Wales's industrial past.
On the visit, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for
Climate Change, , said:
"This Welsh Government is unwavering in our commitment to
protecting our communities and has stepped up time and again to
deal with the legacy of our industrial past.
“Investing in coal tip safety not only supports those living in
the shadow of the tips but also brings economic growth and
employment opportunities.
"We look forward to working with the UK Government to maintain
momentum in this important area, ensuring communities are safe
both now and in the future”
In March, the Deputy First Minister confirmed the Welsh
Government is providing £34m for public partners to undertake
works on 130 coal tips across Wales this financial year.
Proposals include minor maintenance through to major capital
projects worth up to £5.85m.
The UK Government announced in the Spending Review that it will
provide £118m over three years towards coal tip safety.
Combined with the Welsh Government's investment of over £100m
this Senedd term, the joint UK and Welsh Government investment in
coal tip safety now stands at over £220m.
