Funding announced today by the Deputy First Minister with
responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, will
ensure security for businesses, communities and wildlife that
depend on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
The funding will support a vital water supply agreement
between Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in
Wales, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.
The Welsh Government will provide cover for up to £400,000 every
year, for the next five years.
The Canal & River Trust will also contribute up to £100,000
annually, while discussions will continue with other partners to
secure further contributions over the long-term.
The move follows a short-term agreement announced in April 2025,
which was due to expire in March 2026.
The historic waterway contributes over £30m to the Welsh economy
and supports more than 1,000 jobs. The Welsh Government has
therefore brought together partners to find a sustainable
solution.
The Deputy First Minister said: "The Monmouthshire and
Brecon Canal is a treasured part
of Wales' heritage and a vital economic asset for our
communities, but climate change and increasingly variable weather
patterns have intensified the difficulty of maintaining adequate
water supplies.
"We will always look to
protect Wales' cultural heritage whilst supporting jobs
and tourism and we're committed to working with all partners to
find sustainable solutions.
“This agreement builds on the £5m we have already
committed to refurbish the Manorafon pumping station
and creates the space to develop long-term resilience for this
precious waterway whilst we continue our important discussions
with our stakeholders.”
Ben Cottam, Regional Director for Wales
and South West at Glandŵr Cymru
added:
"225 years after the first shipment of coal made its
way up this canal to Brecon, the Monmouthshire and Brecon
Canal remains as essential as ever to
people in South Wales.
"As the charity maintaining this man-made historical
waterway, we know only too well the impact of climate change and
the difficulty recent uncertainty has presented to all those who
love this canal. We are grateful therefore to Welsh Government
and the Deputy First Minister in helping to bring much greater
resilience to the canal and establish a network of partners to
ensure that it remains at the heart of Welsh life."
