Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Paragraph: 110
Efforts should be made to develop synergies between climate mitigation efforts, such as protecting against...
Recommendation
Efforts should be made to develop synergies between climate mitigation efforts, such as protecting against rising sea-levels, and measures to protect transport infrastructure. Noting that significant Welsh transport infrastructure lies either adjacent to the coast or runs along valley lines (often alongside rivers), we believe there are significant opportunities to link efforts and budgets to protect transport infrastructure to wider community protection.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government agrees with the recommendation to develop synergies between climate mitigation and transport infrastructure protection. Network Rail is engaging on Shoreline Management Plans, has commenced a Whole Industry Strategic Plan workstream on Resilience and Climate Change, and has undertaken specific works to enhance infrastructure resilience.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
110
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The UK Government agrees with this recommendation. Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. We must limit global warming to well below 2°C and have legislated to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050. Network Rail has and continues to engage with local authorities, coastal groups and in Wales to understand the impact of the Shoreline Management Plans on the railway infrastructure, which will not only inform asset management planning, but will also need to inform longer-term strategic development around sustainable transport solutions to protect against rising sea-levels. Network Rail has now commenced work on the Whole Industry Strategic Plan, with one of the core workstreams relating to Resilience and Climate Change and the impact on the railway network. Working with industry partners, funders and stakeholders, this workstream will also inform future associated planning activity for renewal and enhancement of the rail network. Network Rail has undertaken significant recent work to restore the Conwy Valley line following storm damage in 2018 and 2020. These works have enhanced the resilience of the line against future weather events. In addition, recent work has been completed at Black Bridge on the Cambrian Main Line to raise the bridge level by one metre to avoid future closures of the line during heavy rainfall when the river floods.
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