A Plaid Member of the Senedd has challenged the Welsh Government’s denial regarding the closure of three Natural Resources Wales visitor centres. The dispute arose during a session in the Senedd, where Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca Davies rejected claims that the shops and cafes at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Coed y Brenin, and Ynyslas visitor centres would be shut down to cut costs. Despite assertions from Mr. Irranca-Davies that NRW has no plans to close these sites, Plaid’s Mabon ap Gwynfor insisted that the proposed changes would effectively lead to closures.
In response to Mr. Irranca-Davies’ statements, Mabon ap Gwynfor expressed concerns about the impending closure of the visitor centre at Coed y Brenin in the Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency, suggesting that it could happen as early as Christmas. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, indicating that once closed, reopening the centres would be significantly more challenging due to loss of value and community impact.
The Plaid Member urged the Welsh Government to allocate an additional £1.2 million to NRW to retain the centres and facilitate a transition to community ownership. The debate was led by Labour’s Carolyn Thomas following petitions signed by nearly 15,000 individuals to safeguard the threatened visitor centres near Aberystwyth and Dolgellau.
During the discussion, concerns were raised about NRW’s funding gap and the organisation’s approach to potential solutions. The focus shifted towards ensuring sustainable funding and exploring alternative operational models to preserve the value of these essential spaces. Members of different political parties emphasised the significance of maintaining these centres for the benefit of the community and the economy.
Labour’s Jenny Rathbone underscored NRW’s core responsibilities in conservation and environmental management, suggesting that a reevaluation of priorities could lead to more efficient and impactful operations. The debate highlighted the importance of engaging with local organisations and communities to ensure a smooth transition if the centres were to change hands.
The discussions in the Senedd echoed broader concerns about maintaining public access to natural spaces, especially during a time when outdoor recreation and tourism are vital for economic recovery. The call for collaboration, sustainable funding, and community involvement resonated throughout the debate, emphasising the need for proactive solutions to preserve these valuable resources for future generations.