MS, Deputy First Minister & Cabinet
Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Wales is home to
some of the most stunning and ecologically rich coastlines in
Europe. Our beaches and inland bathing waters are not only vital
natural assets but also play an important role in supporting
local communities, public health and wellbeing, and our thriving
tourism sector. Each year thousands of people enjoy swimming,
paddling, and connecting with nature at designated bathing sites
across the country—highlighting the need to safeguard and enhance
these waters for current and future generations.
As we continue to deliver on our environmental ambitions and
commitments under the Well-being of Future Generations Act, I am
proud to reflect on the positive progress made in improving the
quality of bathing waters in Wales. This progress has been made
possible through strong collaboration across public bodies, the
water industry, environmental regulators, and communities. We
recognise there is more to do. We are committed to a proactive,
transparent, and evidence-based approach to ensure all our
bathing waters are clean, safe, and resilient in the face of
climate and ecological challenges.
This year we ran a public consultation seeking views on two
proposed new sites for bathing water designation. It was
particularly welcome to see both proposals focused on inland
locations; Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff, and the
Swing Bridge in Llandeilo, reflecting our Programme for
Government commitment to increase the number of designated inland
bathing waters and strengthen water quality monitoring across
Wales during this Senedd term.
Following consideration of the consultation responses and
stakeholder views, I am pleased to announce that Lisvane &
Llanishen Reservoirs will be added to Wales' list of designated
bathing waters for the 2025 season. This brings the total number
of designated bathing waters in Wales to 112 and marks our third
inland site - a significant step forward in our ambition to
better reflect how people interact with water across Wales.
For the Swing Bridge application in Llandeilo, further
consideration is required. Concerns were raised by stakeholders
and the public about whether the application accurately reflected
the number of bathers using the site. As the core criterion for
Welsh Ministers to consider in the regulations is whether there
is an expectation of a large number of bathers, these concerns
are material to my decision as to whether to designate the site.
Taking into account the evidence submitted by the applicant, in
conjunction with the consultation responses, I cannot conclude
that the regulatory test has been met. I have therefore decided
to place this application under review until 31 October, allowing
time for further evidence to be provided by the applicant and
relevant stakeholders. I hope this will provide an opportunity to
resolve outstanding issues.
My responsibility is to ensure decisions are underpinned by
robust, transparent evidence that accurately reflects real usage
patterns. It is vital that Welsh Government maintains a neutral
and objective role in assessing applications, ensuring that all
submissions are treated fairly, consistently, and in line with
the legislative framework.
As part of our longer-term ambition to modernise the regulatory
framework, our bathing water programme must continue to
evolve in line with changing public behaviours and expectations.
That is why we also consulted this year on areas of the
application process where greater clarity was needed to help the
public make more informed decisions. We recognise the importance
of clear, accessible guidance for applicants, and the
consultation provided valuable insights into how we can improve
the transparency and usability of our information and therefore
we will publish new guidance ahead of the bathing season. We are
particularly pleased that the consultation recognised the need
for a more tailored approach between coastal and inland
locations. My officials will be releasing revised guidance in due
course, something we hope will further support the delivery of
our Programme for Government commitment to increase inland
designations.
As we look ahead to the start of the 2025 bathing water season on
15 May, I want to thank everyone who continues to support and
champion our shared ambition for clean, safe, and accessible
waters across Wales. The progress we are making is a collective
effort, and I remain encouraged by the commitment and
collaboration shown by communities, partners, and stakeholders
alike. I wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and memorable season
ahead.
