Issue - meetings

The information in the report was accepted and noted.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn and Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

The information in the report was accepted and noted.

DISCUSSION

It was reported that the department had recently been allocated £4.8m from the SPF Shared Prosperity Fund. It was elaborated that the application process had opened and that several businesses and campaigns had benefited from the fund so far. It was added that it was hoped that more funding would be released to support more projects in the future. Officers from the department were thanked for their work with this fund, especially in light of the challenges and delays by the British Government.

It was noted that a Tourism Plan had been launched in September. It was explained that this had been the culmination of 6 years of work and the department was now focussing on an action plan.

It was confirmed that the Cyngor Gwynedd stall at the National Eisteddfod in Boduan had been very successful and the Head of Department was thanked for her work in coordinating the week's events. It was considered that it was now possible to see the legacy of the Eisteddfod having an impact on the county's communities and an example of this was reported when considering the waiting list for Welsh language lessons in the Botwnnog area.

It was explained that engagement work with businesses in the county was still taking place, with recent visits to South Caernarfon Creameries, CK Tools, Penmaen Uchaf Hotel and the Oren food company.

It was explained that there had been an increase in the county's library users and that people were realising that a number of events were held there, and that it was a safe and warm place to visit if anyone had difficulties heating their homes.

It was noted that the Pwllheli harbour dock was currently full but owners had been in touch to confirm that they were cancelling their agreement for next year due to the cost-of-living crisis. Reference was also made to Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli, which had recently reopened, noting that the satisfaction rate among visitors was between 78-88%.