Construction work is set to start on coastal risk management works as part of a £150 million programme of investment over three years across Wales.

The Coastal Risk Management Programme allocates funding for schemes to reduce risk to over 18,000 properties through projects to repair, replace and create new coastal defence systems.

Coastal schemes due to start this coming year include:

• strengthening existing defences at East Rhyl
• sea wall strengthening and maintenance at Aberavon
• construction of setback defences at Y Felinheli.

In addition, over the next 12 months more than £50 million will be invested in flood and coastal erosion risk management activities across Wales.

This includes a capital programme of £27 million for new schemes, maintenance of existing assets and the development of future schemes; as well as a revenue programme of nearly £25 million. The funding will support the completion of schemes at Beaumaris, Llanfair Talhaiarn and Talgarth, as well as commence construction works at Llansannan, Llanmaes, Newport and Welshpool.

Completion of schemes within this year’s programme, will see over 1,200 properties, including over 850 homes, benefit.

Announcing the programme of funding for flood prevention and coastal risk management, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said:

“Flooding can have a devastating and lasting impact on the lives of those affected, and this is why it remains a high priority for us and why we are determined to support people who are most at risk as much as we can”.

“This significant investment, as well as our new National Strategy and Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee for Wales, will put us in a strong position going forward and ensure we can face the challenges of climate change head on.

“This programme will put the sustainable management of our environment at the heart of decision-making in efforts to further reduce flood and coastal risk to homes and businesses across Wales.”

The Minister also confirmed funding of more than £2.8 million for local authorities and NRW to develop future schemes to improve protection and resilience around Wales, while a further £1 million will be set aside for the Small Scale Works Grant, which allows Local Authorities to undertake minor schemes and maintenance works to benefit communities.

To provide high level advice and identify best practice on flood and coastal risk management matters, a new statutory Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee for Wales has been established.

In addition, a new National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management will also be consulted on later this year. This will have a strong focus on information and delivery as well as encouraging natural flood risk management.