Earlier this year, Natural Resources Wales, an arms length body of Welsh Government, imposed conditions on the abstraction licence of the Mon to Brecon Canal. This meant that in times of low water levels, the Canal would not be able to take water from the River Usk, as it has done for over a hundred years, and this risks the Canal running dry.
Throughout the Summer, the Canal & River Trust has had to purchase surplus water from Dwr Cymru, which cost them £1million. Money they do not have in their budget and the Trust has already indicated it cannot continue to buy in water in 2026.
James Evans MS has stood alongside local residents, business owners and members of the Preserve & Protect the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Group on the Senedd steps in July this year, to show his support. Following on from this protest and a Senedd petition, the Cabinet Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies MS, promised a “task and finish group” to find long term sustainable solutions to ensure the Canal has a viable future. There has been a lack of urgency and some four months later, it is only now that the first meeting is scheduled to take place on the 17th November.
James Evans MS said:
“Our iconic canal is under threat. Time is running out to find a sustainable, long term solution for the 2026 season and beyond. The Welsh Labour Government and Natural Resources Wales must look again at their decision to limit water abstraction. The environmental impact of reduced water levels, or no water at all in the Canal will be catastrophic on local wildlife and ecosystems. The financial impact of allowing our canal to be close will be felt by many businesses up and down the length of the canal.
"The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, has established this “task and finish group” with stakeholders to find a solution – but they are shifting the burden onto others when this is a mess of their own making and as a direct result from their policy to limit water abstraction. The Canal & River Trust cannot afford to spend another £1 million in 2026 to buy in surplus water from Dwr Cymru.
“The Mon to Brec Canal is a major draw for tourists. The economic baseline from the Canal is around £30 million per annum. Estimations for 2026 should this issue continue to be unresolved predict a 50% decrease to £15million – that would equate to around 500 job losses, a £8 million hit to social value. This will affect the many businesses that are directly and indirectly linked to the Canal. Business are already reporting less bookings from negative publicity, some have taken the decision to cease trading because of the uncertainty. None are investing when their future hangs in the balance.
"I hope that the Task & Finish group planned for the 17th November will come up with long term sustainable solutions that ensure the future of the Mon to Brecon Canal, whilst also protecting the River Usk. Welsh Government/NRW have created this problem for the Canal and they should be the ones finding the solutions.”
