A REPORT prepared for the Welsh Government says that the restoration of the rail link between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth is feasible.
However, the report, prepared by the Mott MacDonald consultancy, also reveals that the £775m scheme does not present a positive economic case. As such, it is only likely to be progressed in regard to wider societal needs, and strategic aims.
The constraints of low local population levels (and levels of business, leisure, tourism activity, etc.) impose the key constraint on realistic demand levels and achievable economic benefit.
Subject to the satisfactory resolution of challenges presented by the proposed route, initial operational assessments have determined that, if reinstated, it could provide a regular hourly train service between Aberystwyth, Llanilar, Tregaron, Lampeter, Llanybydder, Pencader and Carmarthen, with an end to end journey time of around 85 minutes.
Based on a 2024 opening, initial demand assessments indicate that the reinstated railway service could attract up to 370,000 trips in its first year of operation, rising to 425,000 and 489,000 in the assessment years of 2027 and 2037 respectively.
The report notes that significant further work is needed to assess the local impact and the effect of the route’s re-opening on properties and environmentally sensitive areas cross by the proposed line.
Plaid Cymru’s local AMs and MPs called on the Welsh and UK Governments to work together to prioritise the reinstating of the rail link between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.
In spite of the report’s failure to make a positive economic case, the Plaid representatives are optimistic that the cost can be met, so long as the UK and the Welsh Governments work together positively.
Elin Jones AM, said: “The Mott Macdonald report is the game-changer needed in the campaign to reinstate Aberystwyth to Carmarthen Rail Link. I’ve lived alongside this rail corridor almost all my life and I’ve never seen a train. For the first time, I can see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel in making this project a reality. It is now costed, it is technically feasible and it is now only a matter of political prioritisation by both Welsh and UK Governments.”
Ben Lake MP, said: “The report has thrown up many of the environmental and logistical constraints facing a project of this magnitude. But I am glad that the report has not shown the project the red light. I hope that communities along the route will now join together to consider the report’s implications and to put pressure on Governments to take the project to the next stage. I’ll be seeking an urgent meeting with the UK Railways Minister to discuss the report.”
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP, Jonathan Edwards, said: “The cost of this project at first appears substantial, but as we’ve seen this weekend, the scheme would be minuscule in comparison to the £100billion projected spend on the England-only HS2 railway. Wales has already lost out on rail funding out to the tune of £5billion. This could fund a host of infrastructure projects including the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth railway line.”
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM, and leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price AM said: “The decision to undertake the Technical Feasibility Study was a result of Plaid Cymru’s budget negotiations with the Welsh Government, and I welcome its optimistic and detailed assessment of the task ahead. It is an opportunity to create a national rail corridor starting with Carmarthen to Aberystwyth. This is an exciting and imaginative idea that I think will inspire people and will change the shape of our nation. If the Welsh Government is serious about developing every part of Wales, then this is the opportunity to prove it.”
With Wales’ transport infrastructure in the spotlight, Welsh Government ministers will be mindful of growing concerns that it is too focussed on the area around its own bubble in the Bay at the rest of Wales’ expense.
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