Issue - meetings

Recognition was given of the development of the draft Regional Transport Plan (RTP) and the processes associated with this.

The response (Appendix 5) to the consultation was approved.

The report was submitted by Cllr Craig ab Iago

DECISION

Recognition was given of the development of the draft Regional Transport Plan (RTP) and the processes associated with this.

The response (Appendix 5) to the consultation was approved.

DISCUSSION

A political view was expressed that the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee was creating another layer of bureaucracy and there was concern that not much Welsh would be spoken at the Corporate Joint Committee's Transport Sub-Committees. It was questioned whether the Regional Transport Plan offered anything new.

The Assistant Head of the Environment Department added that this Regional Transport Plan would be the first product of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee. It was explained that the likelihood that the 4 Regional Transport Plans by the Corporate Joint Committees in Wales would be very similar as they needed to meet the same type of criteria from the Government.

Attention was drawn to appendix 1 which listed the Gwynedd Plans stating that Gwynedd had 64 schemes in the Delivery Plan and it was explained that the plans had been prioritised as higher, medium or lower.

Observations arising from the discussion:

•           It was enquired whether there was anything Cabinet Members could do to assist the engagement process and highlight its importance.

-           It was confirmed that the consultation was open until 14 April but that it was a very technical and detailed consultation and included a lot of strategic information. It was reported that a press release had already been issued and Gwynedd residents were urged to take the opportunity to share their opinions. It was added that further and more specific consultations would follow.

•           Observations were made about the frustration with the area's public transport particularly rural areas of the County. It was noted that not enough buses were running and that they could be expensive to use. It was highlighted that funding had to be received from the Government to correspond with the plans to fund and realise them.

•           It was enquired whether this Plan was likely to raise the hopes of residents and it was asked how many of the plans were likely to be realised within the county.

-           It was explained that it was not currently possible to know how many of the plans were likely to be realised. It was emphasised that if the schemes were not set out in this Plan there was no hope of receiving funds to realise them. It was reiterated that it was positive that the plans had been included in this Plan and the Council would have to try to maximise the opportunities.

-           It was noted that the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee and Transport for Wales had a healthy relationship and worked well together.

•           The officers of the Department were thanked for their work.