Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Cllr. Catrin Wager

Update on: Arrangements to monitor the condition of Gwynedd assets in order to mitigate risks.

To accept the report and to note the observations received.

To accept the report and to note the observations received.

The report was submitted by the Head of Gwynedd Consultancy, and provided an overview of the situation in relation to the Council's assets. It was added that the Council had Land drainage and Coastal assets and their condition was inspected once, and in some cases, twice a year.

Members’ attention was drawn to the categories used to identify the condition of the assets, in order to ascertain which required maintenance work as they were showing signs of strain.

The department's work programme was outlined, which included an examination of all the assets to ensure that they were in a safe condition, and members received an update on the situation.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by members:-

-        The members expressed their thanks for the comprehensive report, and expressed confidence that the Council was prepared for inclement weather and flooding due to the work that had been completed.

-        Questions were asked about the inspection arrangements, how decisions about monitoring were made, and what was the timetable for delivering the work. A further question was asked about how rigid the arrangements were, and whether they could be amended if an asset was damaged.

-        The department was thanked for its work in Penisarwaun and Rhiwlas since 2017, and its work there was praised.

-        The Head of YGC and the Cabinet Member were thanked for their work.

-        A question was asked about the Council's definition of an asset, as Canolfan Tregarth was facing damage due to flooding, and it was noted that the Council was eager for the community to be responsible for the pipes.

In response to the above observations, the following was noted:-

-        It was explained that if there was concern that an asset not listed in the scheme required attention, one or more visits could be arranged and there was also a mechanism to undertake emergency works if necessary.

-        In relation to Climate Change, increasing sea levels meant that further assets requiring possible maintenance work would be identified.

-        In relation to defining 'assets' in this way, it was noted that consideration was given to any asset that protected communities from flooding.

-        Assurance was given that the Head of Department would raise the matter with the Head of Highways and Municipal Department before reporting back to the councillor in relation to his question.