Questions to the First Minister - Y Cyfarfod Llawn Plenary

We’re taking decisive action to keep communities safe from slips from historic disused spoil tips, especially coal tips in South Wales West. Since 2020, over £100 million has been invested, £220 million with UK Labour’s support, and now we have a disused tips Act, a world first, to ensure proper inspection and maintenance for the future. Record investment, landmark law and communities put first—that’s Labour delivering.34

Great investment, but there is no investment in the Ysgol Godre’r Graig area in the Swansea valley.35

Six years ago, a medium-level risk from a quarry spoil tip near Godre’r Graig Primary School was identified, and as a result the school was closed. I’ve spoken about it here many times, because the legislation isn’t covering this type of tip.[1] [2]The pupils were moved out of their community into temporary portakabins in Pontardawe six years ago, and today those pupils still don’t have a permanent school building.36 Despite these challenges, Estyn has recognised Godre’r Graig primary as a warm, welcoming school, meeting the needs of its learners. I met with the school leaders recently. Their passion and pride in the school and its community were unmistakable. An application for support with funding for a replacement building has been submitted to the Welsh Government by Neath Port Talbot Council, but the ongoing uncertainty, amplified by Government responses so far, is impacting pupil numbers.37 From correspondence made available to the school, it appears this application is being assessed as if it were for a brand new school, not a replacement one for one closed through no fault of the staff or pupils or community, but because of the scars of our industrial legacy. The Welsh Government says it’s building world-class education infrastructure, so why are the children of Ysgol Godre’r Graig still learning in portakabins, miles from their community? Will you admit to the exceptional circumstances of the context of the application for support?38

My understanding is that the Plaid council blocked the new school proposal, and that is something that you may want to reflect on.