Leaders across South West Wales have welcomed new Welsh Government funding to support improvements to the region's transport network.
The funding – worth close to £25 million and awarded through the Welsh Government's regional transport grant programme – will help progress projects and priorities identified in the South West Wales Regional Transport Plan.
The plan has been developed by the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales – which brings together Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea – and sets out a long-term vision to make it easier, greener and more affordable for people to travel across the region.
Investment will support work to improve public transport, strengthen walking and cycling routes, and enhance connections between communities while supporting economic growth.
The Regional Transport Plan aims to create a more accessible and sustainable transport network while helping residents and businesses move around the region more easily.
It also supports wider ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and encourage a shift toward more sustainable modes of travel.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Chair of the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales, said:
“We welcome this Welsh Government funding, which will help us take forward important transport improvements across South West Wales.
“Good transport links are essential for our communities, our economy and our environment.
“Through the Regional Transport Plan, we're working together across the region to deliver a transport system that makes everyday journeys easier, more reliable and more sustainable.”
Cllr Linda Evans, Chair of the CJC's Transport Sub-Committee, said:
“This investment will help progress the projects and priorities that local people, businesses and stakeholders have helped shape – improving connectivity between our towns, rural communities and key employment areas.
“By working collaboratively as a region, we can deliver the transport improvements needed to support economic growth, tackle climate change and ensure that South West Wales remains well connected for the future.”
Ken Skates, the Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:
“I am delighted to confirm nearly £25 million of funding, as part of the Regional Transport Fund, to councils across South West Wales.
“This is a significant milestone for the region's transport network as this money will directly benefit communities across all local authority areas, delivering real improvements to people's daily lives.
“The schemes being funded reflect the priorities agreed in partnership between local authorities, the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales, Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government.
“This collaboration will help deliver the connected, sustainable and affordable transport system that the people of South West Wales deserve. “
The South West Wales Regional Transport Plan guides transport investment and development across the region up to 2030 and has been informed by extensive engagement with residents, businesses and community organisations.
The Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales was established in 2022 to strengthen regional collaboration on areas including transport, strategic planning, economic development and energy across the four local authority areas. It's made up of the Leaders of Carmarthenshire Council, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire Council and Swansea Council, as well as senior representatives of the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire National Park Authorities.
