MANIFESTO FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN WALES 2021: PROSPERITY, GROWTH AND JOBS - #commit2infra @ICEWalesCymru
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MANIFESTO FOR
INFRASTRUCTURE IN WALES 2021:
PROSPERITY, GROWTH AND JOBS
#commit2infra
@ICEWalesCymru
THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS WALES CYMRU
Introduction
Our quality of life depends on The right frameworks for identifying, In this context population growth will have
infrastructure. There would be little prioritising and planning infrastructure particular challenges for transportation,
economic activity without energy – joined-up strategies, based on well- energy, water, communications and
generation and distribution, water supply evidenced need, to guide decisions on waste management provision. ICE Wales
and disposal, transportation by rail, road, infrastructure system interventions. Cymru supports and is a cosignatory of
sea and air, and waste management. the Placemaking Charter, supporting the
Appraisal, financing and funding principles of the National Development
As the ‘voice of infrastructure’, mechanisms – a developed infrastructure Framework (NDF).
ICE Wales Cymru is making the case system that, long-term, pays for itself and
for continued investment in Wales’ supports sustainable development. This is all in the context of achieving the
infrastructure, not just for the benefit of 2050 Net Zero Carbon target which will
industry and the economy, but for the Improving infrastructure delivery – require unprecedented transformation of
benefit of society as a whole. infrastructure projects and programmes Wales’ infrastructure.
that embed sustainable outcomes
There is a clear link between Wales’ for society from the outset, and use
infrastructure and its economy. Ongoing them to guide infrastructure planning, #commit2infra
investment will protect the current service construction, handover and operation.
levels of infrastructure, ensure that Wales
is well-placed to take advantage of greater The ongoing development of the Wales
Recommendations
economic prosperity, and help us meet our Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP)
climate change obligations. based on this vision is crucial to the
delivery of sustainable and effective
Wales needs a Vision for infrastructure. infrastructure in Wales. Resilience
ICE’s Vision is a world which maximises the
Wales must continue to invest in
use of infrastructure systems to support Most forecasts of population growth
new and existing infrastructure assets
sustainable outcomes: recognise that it will focus on urban and speed the transition to a zero
areas, driving particular infrastructure carbon economy.
requirements around current and future
cities to ensure that they are smart and
liveable for people who work in, live in,
and visit them.
Skills
Wales must continue to invest
What We Do to grow the next generation of
engineers and upskill our current
The Institution of Civil Engineers True to these obligations, ICE is an
workforce so that we can deliver
(ICE) is made up of over 93,000 independent, professional body
infrastructure that drives our
professional civil engineers. Most which aims to harness engineering
economy and society.
of whom work in the UK, but ICE knowledge and expertise for the
members also operate in 180+ benefit of society. ICE has long
countries worldwide. ICE Wales worked with the governments
Cymru represents over 3,600 of the day to help it to achieve
professional civil engineers its objectives, and has worked
Infrastructure Pipeline
across Wales. with industry to ensure that
construction and civil engineering The Wales Infrastructure Investment
ICE’s Royal Charter obliges it to remain major contributors to the Plan (WIIP) must be progressed to
always have regard to the public UK economy and UK exports. develop a pipeline of infrastructure
benefit, and always to act in a projects with timelines developed
manner which is consistent with and supported by the National
the public good. Infrastructure Commission for Wales.
02 ICE Wales Cymru
Manifesto
#commit2infra
Resilience
Energy
ICE Wales Cymru considers that the lack Wales needs a robust and resilient Energy security is one of the key issues
of overview of the vulnerabilities of Wales’ transport network with genuine choices facing Wales and the UK today. ICE Wales
infrastructure networks has created gaps for the travelling public and freight carriers Cymru recommends that we must:
in our approach to defending critical alike. Improved connectivity and capacity • Ensure the sufficient supply of
infrastructure. The interdependence of our of road and rail links with London, electricity to avoid interruptions.
infrastructure assets must be recognised southwest England, the Midlands and • Reduce the production of harmful
with increased levels of information northwest England would drive economic emissions.
sharing and joint forward planning. growth within Wales and ensure that • Promote energy efficiency measures.
Wales has the ability to compete for
investment with other parts of the UK. ICE Wales Cymru believes that there
Transport requirements across the porous is potential for a demand and supply
border are particularly important and imbalance unless Governments take
Transport collaboration between Welsh and English prompt action to prevent future shortfalls.
border areas deserve particular attention Meeting Net Zero Carbon whilst meeting
Wales must have a safe, affordable, in terms of capacity and resilience. security of supply should be at the very
integrated and accessible transport top of the agenda. This means a mixed
network that supports local and regional ICE Wales Cymru supports further approach to our energy generation –
economic growth, productivity and development of Transport for Wales with including nuclear and renewables. Full use
a vibrant society. ICE Wales Cymru an integrated transport network across should be made wherever possible of the
recommends that we should: all parts of Wales. Integrated systems of heat produced by electricity generation
• Deliver the M4 Corridor around heavy rail, light rail, metro and bus are plants through combined heat and power
Newport as a priority. ICE Wales Cymru needed. Wales is falling far behind other schemes.
supports the ‘Black Route’. This will countries across the UK and the rest of
deliver an efficient and resilient road the world. Wales should take full advantage of
and freight network. its natural resources and can deliver
• Deliver the Electrification of Wales’ rail Given the clear health benefits of walking innovative, sustainable energy from
lines from Swansea – Cardiff – London and cycling, these forms of transport a wide variety of sources. ICE Wales
line together with the Welsh Valley should be supported and promoted. The Cymru envisages Wales becoming an
lines. Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 leads the ‘energy hub’ for the UK. Wales is ideally
• Improve road links across all Wales, way in this regard. However, these Active placed to play a very significant role in
north – south as well as east – west in Travel schemes should not be to the clean energy generation due to its many
north Wales and in south Wales. detriment of the existing highway network advantages including topography, tidal
or cause pollution, congestion or safety range and stream, consistent, higher than
issues. Greener and more sustainable average wind speeds and areas of low
forms of transport are supported. population density.
There is a need for continued collaboration Nuclear power has a key part to play
between the Welsh and UK Governments in the transition to Net Zero Carbon as
to expedite infrastructure delivery, it provides reliable and decarbonised
particularly where innovative solutions or baseload power.
funding requirements may be required
(e.g. Cardiff City Region Metro) or where ICE Wales Cymru urges Government to
investment may benefit aligned Welsh / progress proposed new and innovative
English regions. forms of nuclear reactor, but this must
be financed in a sustainable way and not
place undue burden on consumers.
ice.org.uk
#commit2infra 03Resilience
Water and Waste Water Flood Risk Management
ICE Wales Cymru believes Wales, in its Wales has great potential to harness Effective flood risk management
use of ecological footprinting, is leading and benefit from its invaluable supply requires collaboration across a range
the way forward in targeting reductions of water. Water is not only essential of stakeholders. ICE Wales Cymru
in the UK carbon footprint. ICE promotes for communities, but for business recommends that the following actions
and supports the innovative development and industry alike. ICE Wales Cymru must be addressed:
of renewable energy technologies, recommends that we must:
particularly wind and marine power. • Produce innovative low carbon ways to Welsh Government must:
transfer water across river catchments. • Develop a long term capital and
ICE Wales Cymru also recognises the • Invest in and improve the existing maintenance investment programme
need for strict energy efficiency standards water network – improving efficiency cascading across all public sectors.
for buildings, as a key factor towards and security of service. Reservoirs must
zero carbon. be upgraded to meet future water Lead Local Flood Authorities must:
demand with a long term strategic • Develop strategies to improve
There are differing views on the plan for water resources in Wales. property level resilience in flood
devolution of energy powers to Wales; ICE • Promote Wales’ plentiful water risk areas, and identify and protect
Wales Cymru calls on all parties to resolve supplies linked to inward exceedance flood pathways to operate
these issues so that Wales can realise its development – domestic and in extreme events. This will build on
energy potential. commercial opportunities. Availability the good progress made in Wales on
of water can be a business the implementation of Sustainable
differentiator in some sectors. Drainage schemes (SUDs).
• Help the public to view water as a
valuable resource to improve water Industry must:
efficiency and reduce demand. • Work with the research community
to innovate in the use of flood
ICE Wales Cymru recognises the unique resilience technology. Research
situation in Wales where the majority of and innovation should result in the
the country’s services are provided by a development of resilient buildings that
water company owned by a not for profit meet high sustainability standards in
organisation (Glas Cymru), which is able other aspects.
to reinvest financial surpluses into both • Work with planners to proactively
clean water supplies and the treatment of create flood resilient community
waste water. Capital investment in these systems. Education, training and
aging systems needs to continue. Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) for designers, builders, product
While Wales has abundant water manufacturers and property managers
resources it is still important to manage is necessary.
our resources efficiently. A greater focus
on demand management is essential and
ICE Wales Cymru is keen to play its part in
educating the public on the value of water
and how it can be used more efficiently.
04 ICE Wales Cymru
Manifesto#commit2infra
Resilience
Waste Management
ICE Wales Cymru believes that flood Whilst the number of properties at There must be a fundamental shift in the
risk management should be placed at risk from coastal erosion is less well way waste is addressed. ICE Wales Cymru
the heart of urban design. A different defined, the number is considered to be recommends that:
approach to flood risk management is significantly smaller. The majority of these • Waste must be treated as a resource
required for the future. This will require a would not be affected until the medium • Wales must shift towards a Circular
collaborative approach. to long term, i.e. within the next 30-100 Economy
years so it is essential that we begin to
plan now. ICE Wales Cymru believes that Wales
must deliver a fundamental shift in public
ICE Wales Cymru recognises the important and business attitudes to waste - to
role that Sustainable Drainage systems resource management, creating new jobs,
Current estimates show that (SuDs) take. These systems, along with delivering reductions in CO2 emissions,
over 245,000 a full range of other measures are key to
effective Flood Risk Management.
and unlocking new sources of energy.
Waste should be reused or recycled, and,
properties in Wales are at risk of flooding where possible, treated as a resource.
from rivers, sea and surface water. Wales should shift to a ‘circular economy’
in which the waste and resources sector
continues to evolve from a disposal
industry, into a sector which collects
surplus materials and reprocesses them
into commercial quality products.1
1
The State of the Nation Briefing, Wales Cymru Waste and Resource management, 2011.
ice.org.uk
#commit2infra 05Skills
In order to deliver the skills required for ICE Wales Cymru is proud of its strong The continued investment in
infrastructure delivery ICE Wales Cymru links with colleges and universities Apprenticeships and support for
recommends that we must: with its accredited courses for progression more Welsh apprentices is required
to professional engineering qualifications. together with investing in Technicians
• Continue to invest in Apprenticeship and Graduates.
initiatives Accredited civil engineering degree
• Further develop accredited engineering courses are available in South Wales at ICE Wales Cymru supports and is a
courses in North Wales Cardiff University, Swansea University and member of the Welsh Apprenticeship
• Further develop a skills / Net Zero the University of South Wales. A further Alliance. Apprenticeships offer excellent
Carbon skills strategy for Wales. learning programme is also available at opportunities for civil engineers with
Wrexham Glyndwr University to IEng level; clear benefits for both apprentices and
Ensuring that Wales has the right skills progression to CEng is required. employers. Welsh Government should
in place is a key part of addressing the progress Civil Engineering degree
current productivity lag, improving Recognising the challenges of Covid-19, apprenticeships to both Level 6 (IEng) and
infrastructure delivery and yielding there are opportunities of virtual learning Level 7 (Chartered Civil Engineer).
economic growth. awards across all of Wales at all levels. ICE
Wales Cymru supports and fosters these
ICE Wales Cymru supports and promotes initiatives and encourages cooperation
continued investment in the skills and collaboration to maximise the
needed to deliver current and future opportunities for all.
infrastructure. Long term investment
programmes are required to provide
a sustainable approach to boost skills
growth in the industry.
06 ICE Wales Cymru
Manifesto#commit2infra
Infrastructure Pipeline
The Welsh Government’s Welsh Wales needs a joined up infrastructure Long-term planning should still be
Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP) vision, looking forward twenty five years driven by Wales’ existing challenges, as
for growth and jobs is the first step and developed through engagement with within the remit of the NICfW. Short and
in delivering a long term approach to governments, clients, investors, operators medium term investments in infrastructure
infrastructure provision. ICE Wales Cymru and delivery teams. can play a significant role in stimulating
recommends that: economic recovery, particularly as Wales
This will lead to the development of looks to return to economic growth in the
• The Wales Infrastructure Investment a wider built environment sector that wake of Covid-19.
Plan (WIIP) must be progressed to encourages and fosters confidence,
develop a pipeline of projects with capability, creativity and ambition. ICE Infrastructure frameworks –a long-term
timelines developed and supported Wales Cymru will continue to support the holistic needs assessment is required. The
by the proposed Wales Infrastructure National Infrastructure Commission for needs assessment should evaluate the
body. Wales (NICfW). infrastructure-related options available
to the Welsh Government to meet its
The WIIP needs to evolve and ICE Whilst long term planning is vital (as ambitions within an agreed financial
Wales Cymru calls for clear visibility of the remit of the NICfW), short term envelope, and ultimately provide the
the infrastructure projects planned and planning and decisions on infrastructure foundations for creating an infrastructure
underway – short and long term. must be prioritised to lead Wales out of strategy for Wales. In making this
depression. evidence base widely available, a range
of stakeholders and the public can
better understand the options for future
infrastructure needs in Wales.
ice.org.uk
#commit2infra 07Follow us @ICEWalesCymru
#commit2infra
Get in touch About ICE
For more information please contact: Established in 1818 and with over 95,000 members
designed and produced by project64.co.uk
Keith Jones, worldwide, ICE is a leading source of expertise in
Director ICE Wales Cymru,
e keith.jones@ice.org.uk
infrastructure and engineering policy and is widely seen
t +44 (0)29 2063 0561 as the independent voice of infrastructure. ICE provides
m +44 (0)7827 303312 advice to all political parties and works with industry to
w ice.org.uk ensure that civil engineering and construction remain
major contributors to the UK economy.
Registered charity number 210252.
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