JANET Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy and shadow minister for climate change, has today (April 4) backed plans put forward by Henry Dixon for a £7billion tidal lagoon stretching from Prestatyn to Llandudno.

Wrexham’s Glyndwr University has carried out an economic impact assessment, which predicts the lagoon generating an additional 22,000 jobs.

Commenting on the plans for a tidal lagoon in North Wales, Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “The prospect of a tidal lagoon in North Wales is incredibly exciting and would deliver a welcomed boost to jobs and local industry.

“A resource rich nation, we should be unleashing the full potential of what we can contribute to green renewable energy.”

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A month ago, Denbighshire councillors voted in favour of a motion to back the scheme in principle, while Conwy County Borough Council has set up a task and finish group to look at the options.

Mrs Finch-Saunders has long been a supporter of tidal lagoons and has taken every opportunity to apply pressure on the Welsh Government to increase its collaboration with the UK Government to deliver such big projects.

She added: “In terms of energy security, the war in Ukraine has emphasised just how important it is for the west to be as self-sufficient as possible.

“The Senedd and Westminster have long gone back and forth deliberating big energy projects such as tidal lagoons and the remaining barriers should be seriously reconsidered if we’re to show the people of Wales we mean business.

“My constituents want to see the devolved and UK Governments work together to deliver on jobs and industry and the proposals put together by Henry Dixon fulfil many of those objectives.

“The UK Government has already announced that it will invest £20million per year in tidal stream electricity, so the scene is perfectly set for a tidal energy to make a huge splash in Wales.”

Mrs Finch-Saunders continues to consult industry experts in the area and constituents on how best to deliver on the need to tackle climate change and sector growth in North Wales.