Latest news with #RhunapIorwerth
North Wales Live
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
Menai Suspension Bridge update on work planned in phase two of mammoth makeover
The team behind the massive revamp of the Menai Suspension Bridge have explained the work that will take place in the coming months. On October 1, 2022, the bridge linking Anglesey and Gwynedd was shut abruptly following the discovery of structural issues. Phase one works to replace the bridge hangers began on September 4, 2023, and were completed in October 2024. Welsh Government then delayed the start of Phase two - with that work starting in March 2025, with a planned completion by the end of the year. This was then put back to spring 2026 which means roadworks and traffic lights will remain in place for months longer, with just one lane open. It was a decision attacked by Plaid MS Rhun ap Iorwerth. UK Highways A55 Ltd, and primary contractor Spencer Bridge Engineering, this week put out information about the work that is taking place. They said the completion of this phase will help safeguard the Menai Suspension Bridge, a Grade I listed Georgian structure, for generations to come. This follows the success of Phase One which replaced 168 hangers using custom technology. The latest phase of works includes essential maintenance to the bridge's corbels, land saddles, parapets and underdeck as part of a new work programme. Currently, all of the bridge's hangers are receiving new coats of paint and UK Highways A55 Ltd is finalising all the necessary certifications and approvals for each of the Phase Two elements. This new work programme has been optimised using new data and experience from Phase One, particularly the challenging weather conditions of the Menai Strait. The new project will see Spencer Bridge Engineering's teams carry out repair works on 15 of the bridge's corbels - concrete beams which support the footway on the approach spans. During Phase One the team were able to repair 45 of the 60 corbels using rope access, but the remaining 15 require intrusive works to be carried out on site. The team will also carry out repair and painting of the parapets, which run along the entire length of the bridge, as well as the load checking and re-stressing of the land saddles, which anchor the cables of the bridge to the ground on the Anglesey side of the bridge. The Spencer Bridge Engineering team will deploy its innovative new modular moving access system for the first time, during the underdeck painting stage of the project. Named AeroTruss, this is an innovative access system which has been developed and designed by Spencer Bridge Engineering's expert in-house team to address common issues associated with other temporary access systems currently available in the market. They said the AeroTruss system will ensure the team can safely access the underdeck of the bridge, while minimising load effects into the bridge structure, due to its aerodynamic properties. Luke Fisher, Spencer's Bridges Director, said: 'We are delighted to be continuing our successful partnership with UK Highways A55 Ltd to restore this iconic bridge and ensure it can remain in use for decades to come. This project is particularly exciting for us as it's the first time we are using our new AeroTruss system, which has been in development for over three years. "With over 25 years' experience in the bridges sector, we've become familiar with some of the common issues faced while working on high-level structures, so we've developed AeroTruss to address these issues and ensure we can provide clients with the most efficient, high-quality service, while protecting the historic structures we're working on.' As part of their commitment to deliver for Anglesey and north Wales, UK Highways A55 Ltd and Spencer Bridge Engineering said they continue to engage and appoint local contractors to support the work programmes where possible including all of the hanger painting technicians being recruited from the local area.
Wales Online
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
'I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities'
'I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities' In this opinion piece to mark one year of Keir Starmer's government, Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth argues the Prime Minister has failed to fulfil his promises Leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth (Image: Ben Birchall/PA ) Restore hope, stop the chaos. The message - foregrounded and front-loaded in Labour's 2024 General Election Manifesto - was, superficially at least, a nod to better days ahead. It was a positive, and ultimately persuasive promise, which drew a line under the torrid Tory years – implying not only a new sense of order but an awareness that the founding principle of any government should be the betterment of those it serves. A palpable sense of anger had built up, not least driven by the unfairness and inequality which characterises modern Britain. A well-off family at the 80th wealth percentile had seen its wealth increase by 37 per cent between 2006-08 and 2018-20, whilst a modest family at the 40th wealth percentile had seen no real wealth growth at all. Few would deny that a re-building job was urgently required. The need to re-evaluate priorities and re-shape society, and to embed equity and equality became so apparent that not even the blue tinge of Starmer's Labour could ignore it. Article continues below And somewhere in this equation lay Wales, a nation reminded time and time again that we're 'better together' – and 'better still' with two Labour governments working together. It would therefore not be unreasonable for Wales to expect to see the promised dividend being delivered, with early signs to become apparent that years of Wales being short-changed by Westminster would come to an end. Exactly one year on since that General Election, the reality could hardly be more different. It is somewhat ironic that Keir Starmer's first anniversary in office coincides with Independence Day in the USA. Yes, Keir Starmer has set off his fair share of fireworks over the past year, but they've not been of the joyous kind that traditionally mark Fourth of July celebrations across the pond. Some of those feeling let down over the past 12 months may well cite Starmer's stance on UK-US relations as symptomatic of a wider lack of moral leadership. An unwillingness by the Labour leader to challenge Trump on foreign affairs in particular parallels many of his attitudes towards the domestic agenda, where principles have too often been cast aside. The disabled fearful, pensioners paying the price and farmers furious. Seldom has an incoming government wasted so little time before taking hope away. The 'Change' placards have long been flung on the scrapheap, replaced by a trudging managerialism at best, a reckless attitude towards some of the party's values at worst, and tired platitudes which can so often be painful to watch. Of course, the managerialism to which I refer has pervaded Welsh politics for far too long on Labour's watch. Six years ago, the current First Minister enthusiastically cheered America's freedom on Independence Day whilst serving as Minister for International Relations. Eluned Morgan appears to believe that independence, be it literal or independence of thought, is something for others to enjoy, whether for nations or individuals. And not only has she never appeared to fully believe in our nation's ability to stand on its own two feet, she's also failed to make our relationship with Westminster less unjust. Independence of thought and spirit on her part would go a long way in making the 'Red Welsh Way' something more meaningful than a slogan. I believe in Wales, its people and its possibilities. For this reason 'the power of partnership' holds more currency for me than Labour's adopted 'Partnership in Power' mantra. The former cements the contract between the government and the people it serves, while the latter serves only to celebrate hegemony. Next May, the people of Wales have the opportunity to elect a new government underpinned by a new contract of respect and understanding. A new way whereby individuals feel that when the actions of government brush against their lives, they do so in a positive and meaningful sense. A contract which means that those in power lead rather than manage, and take responsibility for their actions – truthfully and transparently. I'm excited by the prospects of what Wales can achieve, and for Plaid Cymru, delivering positive change to build our nation is not just something we talk about, it's an instinctive driving force. From forcing the Labour Welsh Government's hand in introducing free school meals for all primary school pupils to winning the debate on taking action on second homes to help people be able to live in their communities, we already have a proud recent record of delivering. And that's been from opposition! When UK Labour's Secretary of State for Wales stood on the stage of her party conference last weekend to wrongly claim that Plaid Cymru would scrap free prescriptions, she achieved two things. Article continues below Firstly, she exposed her party's desperation in resorting to smearing opponents rather than offering positive solutions. Secondly, she strengthened my resolve to restore people's trust in those they put in office. From the expenses scandal to the plainly immoral Covid VIP lanes, voters are rightly angry, but I want to turn that anger into hope. With Plaid Cymru's plans to cut waiting times, support small businesses, tackle the cost of living crisis and harness our natural wealth, we can do things differently in Wales. For anyone who refuses to believe that this is as good as it gets for our communities, and for everyone let down by Westminster's broken promises, real change is possible with a Plaid Cymru government next May.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Protesters surround Senedd with 'red-line' at Palestinian demo
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered at the Senedd to call for the end of Israeli action in Gaza.A long red banner was held around much of the parliamentary estate, and chants of "free Palestine" were politicians, including Labour Senedd member John Griffiths and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, joined the Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar criticised the protest over slogans he said were used there. Former Plaid Cymru MS, Bethan Sayed, said the red banner - meant to symbolise a "red line" - was to show "how the people of Wales are angry at the current situation".The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Cymru activist said: "We know the Welsh government, the Senedd has taken a vote in support of a ceasefire, but since then, we haven't really seen as much action collectively as a parliament."The Welsh government is not responsible for international relations, but Ms Sayed said: "We certainly have moral compasses. We have that moral ability to stand up and to engage with world leaders on this." In the Senedd In the Senedd on Tuesday, First Minister Eluned Morgan said the situation in Gaza was "extremely grave" and it was "incumbent on all of us to draw attention to the dire situation and the extreme approach that is being taken there, in particular when it comes to preventing food from getting to the people in those areas".Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar criticised the livestream on BBC iPlayer of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, whose singer was broadcast saying "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]" and for Palestine to be free "from the river to the sea".Millar said leaders of the Jewish community in Wales told him many were "extremely distressed and fearful" as a result of the scenes at claimed the words were "repeated at a protest that was attended by Labour and Plaid MSs" on Tory Senedd leader criticised the attendance of the MSs that went and invited Morgan to condemn the chants and the BBC for broadcasting said: "I'm very clear that it is not right to stir up hatred against any community, and it frankly, it's illegal, which is why there is a police inquiry going on at the moment."The phrase "river to the sea" refers to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean, which critics of the chant argue is anti-Semitic and implicitly calls for the destruction of Israel. The PSC and other activists have contested this, saying the slogan refers to "the right of all Palestinians to freedom, equality and justice".A spokesman for PSC Cymru, which organised the demonstration, said they were not aware that any of the chants were made and said they were concerned that Millar's claims would "shift the story from Gaza"."We are a mainstream organisation that does not promote violence," the spokesman said. Later, Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt told the Senedd that the Welsh government continues to "call for a lift on the aid blockade to Gaza".She issued a statement after meeting an official from the UN Palestinian aid agency, Unrwa, which has been banned from operating in Israel."Unrwa should be supported and empowered to carry out its mandate," she wrote.
Wales Online
25-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
£48m border control post may be obsolete as 'yet another Brexit bonus' slammed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info North Wales Live readers are unhappy to hear that a facility designed to handle the additional red tape resulting from Brexit could become obsolete before it even opens its doors. The UK's departure from the EU in 2020 introduced extra bureaucracy at the border between the UK and the European Union, including sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce from the EU. The previous UK Government postponed implementing these checks due to fears of price increases for businesses and consumers. However, they did not abandon these checks and continued to develop the necessary building. In North Wales, the UK Government allocated £47.8m for the construction of a border control post at Holyhead, which would be managed by the Welsh Government. Kier Group was awarded a £41m construction contract last summer, and work began on the development at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead, with completion expected by autumn. However, the site could potentially become an expensive folly before it even becomes operational. In May, the UK and EU reached a new SPS agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products, thereby making trade between the UK and EU more affordable and straightforward. The Welsh Government has stated: "We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." On Tuesday, they confirmed they will not push on with final commissioning and staffing of the site. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said he would keep that decision under review until the final details of the agreement with the EU are known. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, commented on the situation saying: "The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure. We need assurances now that the taxpayer won't be left further out of pocket, but the sad thing is that much of the damage caused will remain with us for many years to come." Commenter Driver123456 says: 'Why did they have to take the truck stop? It was an absolute joke, but they insisted they wanted that site instead of the clear land across the way. They could have built on that, but paid way over the odds for the land!' ThePickledLiver replies: 'There will still be 100 HGV parking spaces, and while the inspection shed might not be useful, there's the admin block which would make an excellent drivers' R&R. "Small layout changes and it'll be perfectly usable/re-useable as something other than a border post. Not quite 'white elephant' stuff. We could perhaps copy what they do (and I've used) on the continent and provide 1 and 2-bed rooms for drivers. 10/15 euro a night, nothing fancy but better than bunking in the cab. Must pay for itself 'cos there's plenty of them. And that's before factoring-in the times that the ferries are delayed by weather. That would cover at least, erm, 2 million, ish.' Captcheese thinks: 'Quite eye watering at 47 million for a shower block and bogs for HGV drivers.' LlainPeris thinks: 'We are all paying for the Brexit Mess - 'taking back control' was always very misleading at best: what needs controlling is the way multi-national companies pay so little tax, and for that you need multi-national action by governments not Little Britain acting on its own.' Northwalessaint agrees: 'Yet another 'Brexit Bonus'!' Marti1 adds: 'It seems leaving the EU cost more than staying.' PaulLuckock writes: 'The Welsh electorate voted for Brexit and so we collectively have to take responsibility for the settled will of the people in 2016.' Steamnut points out: 'And that wonderful Holyhead truck-stop would still be open. Amazing how we keep doing this at all levels both national and local. And yes, Conwy we are talking about you. We need more accountability; people who sign-off on expensive schemes ought to pay the price for their mistakes.' Jnrm replies: 'Well the Welsh people voted for, and therefore 'signed off' on Brexit, a really expensive scheme, so I guess they should be footing the bill then. It was the UK Government that paid £47.8 million to fund this facility, not the Welsh Government. Plaid states there was a large sum of public money spent which has been wasted and that taxpayers shouldn't be left out of pocket. Well it's the English taxpayer who should be complaining as they funded it!' What do you think the border control building should be used for? Are you angry that money has been wasted? Have your say in our comments section.
North Wales Live
25-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
£48m border control post may be obsolete as 'yet another Brexit bonus' slammed
North Wales Live readers are unhappy to hear that a facility designed to handle the additional red tape resulting from Brexit could become obsolete before it even opens its doors. The UK's departure from the EU in 2020 introduced extra bureaucracy at the border between the UK and the European Union, including sanitary and phytosanitary checks on fresh produce from the EU. The previous UK Government postponed implementing these checks due to fears of price increases for businesses and consumers. However, they did not abandon these checks and continued to develop the necessary building. In North Wales, the UK Government allocated £47.8m for the construction of a border control post at Holyhead, which would be managed by the Welsh Government. Kier Group was awarded a £41m construction contract last summer, and work began on the development at Parc Cybi, just outside Holyhead, with completion expected by autumn. However, the site could potentially become an expensive folly before it even becomes operational. In May, the UK and EU reached a new SPS agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers for food, plants, and animal products, thereby making trade between the UK and EU more affordable and straightforward. The Welsh Government has stated: "We are considering the implications of a potential SPS agreement with the EU on the future implementation of the Border Target Operating Model in Wales. The Deputy First Minister will make a statement to the Senedd in the coming weeks." On Tuesday, they confirmed they will not push on with final commissioning and staffing of the site. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said he would keep that decision under review until the final details of the agreement with the EU are known. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Mon, commented on the situation saying: "The chaotic situation regarding the need – or not – for border control posts is symptomatic of the chaos and costs surrounding Brexit as a whole. Large sums of public money have been spent, Anglesey Council has faced significant pressures, and we even lost the very important truck stop that went to make way for post-Brexit border infrastructure. We need assurances now that the taxpayer won't be left further out of pocket, but the sad thing is that much of the damage caused will remain with us for many years to come." Commenter Driver123456 says: 'Why did they have to take the truck stop? It was an absolute joke, but they insisted they wanted that site instead of the clear land across the way. They could have built on that, but paid way over the odds for the land!' ThePickledLiver replies: 'There will still be 100 HGV parking spaces, and while the inspection shed might not be useful, there's the admin block which would make an excellent drivers' R&R. "Small layout changes and it'll be perfectly usable/re-useable as something other than a border post. Not quite 'white elephant' stuff. We could perhaps copy what they do (and I've used) on the continent and provide 1 and 2-bed rooms for drivers. 10/15 euro a night, nothing fancy but better than bunking in the cab. Must pay for itself 'cos there's plenty of them. And that's before factoring-in the times that the ferries are delayed by weather. That would cover at least, erm, 2 million, ish.' Captcheese thinks: 'Quite eye watering at 47 million for a shower block and bogs for HGV drivers.' LlainPeris thinks: 'We are all paying for the Brexit Mess - 'taking back control' was always very misleading at best: what needs controlling is the way multi-national companies pay so little tax, and for that you need multi-national action by governments not Little Britain acting on its own.' Northwalessaint agrees: 'Yet another 'Brexit Bonus'!' Marti1 adds: 'It seems leaving the EU cost more than staying.' PaulLuckock writes: 'The Welsh electorate voted for Brexit and so we collectively have to take responsibility for the settled will of the people in 2016.' Steamnut points out: 'And that wonderful Holyhead truck-stop would still be open. Amazing how we keep doing this at all levels both national and local. And yes, Conwy we are talking about you. We need more accountability; people who sign-off on expensive schemes ought to pay the price for their mistakes.' Jnrm replies: 'Well the Welsh people voted for, and therefore 'signed off' on Brexit, a really expensive scheme, so I guess they should be footing the bill then. It was the UK Government that paid £47.8 million to fund this facility, not the Welsh Government. Plaid states there was a large sum of public money spent which has been wasted and that taxpayers shouldn't be left out of pocket. Well it's the English taxpayer who should be complaining as they funded it!'
