Welsh Conservatives will tomorrow call for greater support for Cardiff International Airport and a review of public access to the site.
During an opposition debate, the group will highlight the airport’s potential to compete with Bristol and boost tourism and enterprise in Wales. AMs will call for increased support and leadership from the government in order to aid the expansion of air routes, along with a detailed marketing programme to attract the aviation sector.
Recent figures show a significant drop in passenger numbers at Cardiff International Airport, while 2011 also saw bmibaby pull out of the site.
Shadow Minister for Transport, Byron Davies AM, said:
“Make no mistake, Cardiff International is an airport at a critical turning point. In one direction are fewer and fewer passenger numbers and serious implications for the Welsh economy. In the other is an airport that can get itself back on the right track, challenge Bristol and help market Wales and grow its economy.
“The Welsh Labour Government is not engaging in the kind of discussions that we believe will help and support the airport to take that right turn. Their current hands-off approach is ineffective and inadequate.
“Talking up the possibilities of a route to China and engaging in limited talks with the management is a start – but it by no means meets the demands of the support that we believe is required.
“Ministers need to sit down with bosses, root out the problems and develop a clear strategy for recovery. The focus has got to be on securing a direct route to the USA and expanding links to key European destinations.
“Critically, the government also needs to look again at access. I share the business community’s concerns that prospects for economic growth are being hindered by the decision not to press ahead with an access road. That option has got to be reconsidered and a review conducted.”
The group will also stress the importance of investing in transport infrastructure and call for a review of service stations and truck stops along main carriageways in Wales.
Mr Davies said:
“The provision of adequate facilities for all drivers is a problem that we’ve got to tackle quickly and efficiently.
“Driver fatigue is a huge factor in many accidents and we need to make sure we improve the rest areas that are available and create new ones.
“The efficient management of transport infrastructure projects is essential if the Welsh economy is to grow and flourish. The time for massive overspends – as we have seen in recent years on at least 18 major projects – is over.
“Money must be spent effectively and the use of European funding programmes on transport in Wales should be reviewed and reassessed.”
