New evidence casts doubt over Severn Barrage

A coalition of environmental groups has responded to the UK Government's plans to develop tidal power in the Severn Estuary. The RSPB, WWF, National Trusts and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust commissioned WS Atkins engineers to conduct a review of the proposals.

Plaid Cymru wants to see the energy harnessed from the Severn, but we have insisted that it is done in the least environmentally damaging way. Local opinion is sceptical of the purported benefits of the Cardiff-Weston Barrage and the environmental movement is universally opposed to it. The RSPB are now prepared to accept the smaller 'Shoots Barrage' (located near the Severn crossings) which would still displace some wildlife but would not be as damaging as the Cardiff-Weston Barrage. The environmental groups are saying that the large barrage will result in ecological disaster. There are well documented concerns about the cost of the larger barrage, and about its potential impact on local communities. And Adam Price has argued that it should be opposed on the grounds that it will result in the further exploitation of Wales' natural resources with all of the income generated from the scheme reverting to London coffers.

The environmental groups claim that the ongoing feasibility study underestimates the alternatives to the Barrage. According to them, the power calculations for the various energy projects are out of date.

No one is arguing against harnessing the tides of the Severn for renewable energy. In the light of this new Atkins report, the UK Government's priority should be to fully test the alternative technologies. Whatever scheme is selected will be in place for many decades. The price of getting this wrong is too high.

Severn Estuary Public Meeting

Last week Plaid organised a public meeting in Penarth to discuss the potential impact of a Cardiff to Weston or Severn Barrage. More than 150 people attended to hear Gordon James from Friends of the Earth, Peter Jones from the RSPB, and Plaid MEP Jill Evans spoke. In general, people opposed the Barrage because of the effect it would have on the envionment, the disruption it would cause to their communities and that it would take more than twenty years to construct. Most people supported harnessing energy in the estuary., but preferred the less damaging alternatives.

It was clear from the meeting that the UK Government has not disseminated enough information about its plans for the Severn Estuary. People at the meeting had not been contacted by any government agency and so it could be said that the local community's feelings are not being taken considered as part of the decision-making process. That's why we organised the meeting and why we have distributed information about the consultation. Hopefully the voice of communities in and around will now be heard.