Concerns raised over funding and community impact in North East Wales National Park plan
Plaid Cymru’s North Wales Senedd Member, Llyr Gruffydd, has voiced concerns over key issues left unanswered as a public consultation begins on proposals for a new national park in North-East Wales.
The 10-week consultation, which runs until December 16, will determine public opinion on the Welsh Government’s plan to designate the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as Wales’ fourth national park.
Speaking on the proposals, Mr Gruffydd warned that critical questions surrounding the project need addressing before moving forward.
“Before we jump headlong into establishing yet another national park in Wales, we’ve got to understand that national parks are not an environmental silver bullet,” he said, pointing out that only 6% of land within existing parks is effectively managed for nature.
Mr Gruffydd outlined three fundamental concerns. First, he called for clarity on the financial aspects of the proposal. “National parks cost £50 million a year to run, and budgets in our existing three parks are already tight. Where is the money to run this park going to come from? Is it additional money, or is it a share of the existing national park budget?”
He also stressed the need to prioritise local communities in the decision-making process, citing the negative impact of over-tourism in places like Eryri National Park.
“In Eryri, we’ve seen bumper-to-bumper traffic, ambulances unable to get through, illegal camping, and housing market inflation pushing out young people. We need to ensure these issues aren’t repeated.”
Finally, Mr Gruffydd called for a comprehensive plan to mitigate potential downsides.
“It’s vital the Government explains how they will tackle the negatives before forcing this through,” he added, urging residents to engage with the consultation.
The Welsh Government has described the national park designation as a way to preserve natural landscapes while boosting tourism and regional economies.
If approved, this would be the first national park established in Wales since 1957.
Public exhibitions will be held in 10 communities within the proposed park area to allow residents to express their views.
Further information and details on the consultation can be found on the Natural Resources Wales website.
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