A newly formed all-party Senedd group convened in Cardiff last week to address the difficulties confronting Wales’ canal network and to assess its significance for water provision, visitor economy and neighbourhood vitality.
Lynne Neagle, representing Sir Fynwy Torfaen, chairs the cross-party group, which unites parliamentarians, conservation bodies, navigation groups, council representatives and local communities around the future funding and development of the waterways.
Glandŵr Cymru, operating as the Canal and River Trust’s Welsh division, assumes secretariat responsibilities for the collective.
The charitable organisation maintains stewardship over 76 miles of Welsh waterways and released a fresh investment prospectus for the nation’s canals during September.
Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Neagle highlighted the chance for Senedd Members to undertake a thorough examination of the obstacles canals encounter throughout Wales.
The member emphasised that a regional methodology combined with expertise at national level could yield constructive results for the network.
The body’s work spans four geographical areas, linking grassroots issues with governmental strategy and financial frameworks.
Its scope encompasses historical preservation, transportation networks, educational programmes, health and wellness initiatives, alongside environmental diversity and water resource stewardship.
Ben Cottam, Glandŵr Cymru’s Wales director, noted that the inaugural gathering established a foundation for recognising key concerns and examining how canal networks might assume a larger function within national policy deliberations.
The collective intends to continue meeting throughout the year to address mutual objectives.
Cottam referenced governmental assistance for the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal’s water provision as evidence of why collaborative engagement with policymakers proves valuable.
He indicated that meaningful interaction with public authorities had already demonstrated benefits in safeguarding the canal’s future water supply during 2025.
Glandŵr Cymru maintains operational oversight of the Llangollen Canal in the northern region, the Montgomery Canal in central Wales, plus the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and Swansea Canal in the southern area.
Two of these waterways traverse locations designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal.