Joel James MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central has reaffirmed his support for the Rhondda Tunnel Society's project to reopen the Rhondda Tunnel, which connects Blaencwm in the Rhondda to Blaengwynfi in the Afan Valley.
Having spoken in the Chamber on several previous occasions, highlighting his support for the project and the efforts of the society and its volunteers, Joel was keen to highlight to the First Minister, the benefits the project would bring to attract tourism in the Rhondda valleys.
Declaring an interest as a proud member of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, Joel stated that if this tunnel was reopened it would create a two-mile long tunnel for walking and cycling, it would provide much-needed tourism for the Rhondda, and it would provide a unique repurposing of our industrial heritage.
The Member also questioned the First Minister on the ownership of the tunnel stating:
First Minister, you will know that the tunnel is owned by the UK Government, who are only willing to transfer ownership to either the Welsh Government or to another public body. The previous Conservative UK Government offered to do this, with an additional sum of money provided for its future maintenance, but this was refused as the Welsh Government felt that this sum was insufficient.
Closing his contribution, Joel asked the First Minister what discussions the Welsh Government has had with the new UK Labour Government to revisit the ownership issues, transfer the Rhondda tunnel over to the Welsh Government, and take the project forward.
To watch Joel's Senedd contribution, please click here.
Speaking about his Chamber contribution, Joel James MS said:
As a proud member of the Rhondda Tunnel Society, I never miss an opportunity to highlight the project with the Welsh Government - as I did again just before Christmas.
It's great to see that they have submitted a planning application to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in order to start opening up one of the entrances.
I've already sent in my support, and if you would like to also, please visit the below (citing application number: 24/1231/FUL)
https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/.../SupportObjectorCommentonaPl...
