Er mwyn darllen y blog yma yng Nghymraeg cliciwch yma os gwelwch yn dda
After more than a year of evidence and debate, the public inquiry for the M4 diversion is finally drawing to a close. One of the longest public inquiries in Wales’ history, the inquiry has seen hundreds of pieces of evidence and objections to the scheme assessing its environmental, economic and social impacts. The RSPB remains extremely concerned about the impacts that Welsh Government’s preferred ‘Black Route’ will have on wildlife and the environment if it goes ahead.
Image: shrill carder bee, wikimedia.
Katie-jo Luxton, RSPB Cymru Director, said: “The RSPB objects to the new motorway because it will have devastating impacts on the Gwent Levels’ protected landscape and wildlife – including the shrill carder bumble bee, for which the Gwent Levels is one of two remaining UK strongholds; Wales’ first breeding pair of common cranes for over four hundred years, and one fifth of the Welsh population of cetti’s warbler that call the Levels their home.
Wales’ own laws demand stronger leadership and higher standards from Welsh Government, which is failing in its legal duties to bring back our biodiversity. In their closing statement to the inquiry, Natural Resources Wales concurred that the loss of protected sites would be ‘unprecedented’ and contrary to the Government’s statutory duties under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Environment (Wales) Act. On top of this, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, has strongly objected to the road and made it clear that the Government could set the wrong precedent under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, by not providing a truly long-term sustainable solution. To go ahead despite this breach would be unacceptable for nature and future generations.
Although the inspectors will advise on the future of the M4, the decision on whether to fund this project ultimately lies in Welsh Government’s hands. This is why we will continue to call on Welsh Government to abandon its damaging plans and find a sustainable solution to the congestion problems around Newport. There is still time to meet Wales’ ambition to protect nature for generations to come.”
Image: common crane, Nick Upton rspb-images.com
Aside from the many NGOs, statutory bodies and leaders who object to the plans, citizen campaign groups like CALM have also fought tirelessly against the plans. We continue to work closely with them on the M4 and you can find out more about their work on their website.