Scrap ‘IeuanAir’ and invest in rail link to Caernarfon
Following news that the Welsh Government is struggling to re-franchise the service, the Leader of Wales Green Party has today called for ‘IeuanAir', the subsidised air service from North to South Wales, to be scrapped and for the funding to be moved to rail.
Jake Griffiths commented: "IeuanAir has proved to be of little use in bringing North and South Wales together, benefitting only a handful of Assembly Members and business people. If Labour and Plaid Cymru were not fighting over this seat in both General and Assembly elections and it was not the Deputy First Ministers own constituency I doubt whether is would still be in existance."
"This money would be much better spent on improving the Cardiff-Holyhead rail service or as a first step to reopening the former rail link, investing in a study to reopen the rail link between Bangor and Caernarfon. The rail study would help safe guard the former track bed between Caernarfon and Bangor which is currently threatened with development. The reinstated rail link would be significant boost to the Caernarfon economy and the growth of green tourism."
"Reducing fares between both parts of Wales would also be a welcome change. The air service is subsidised to the tune of £80 per passenger(1), surely such a subsidy is better spent on the trains, where more people will see the benefit?"
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. £800,000 per year is being spent by WAG on the current contract with operator Highland
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2010/03/05/fresh-doubts-over-future-of-wales-air-link-91466-25966062/
For more information contact Jake Griffiths on 07752754537 or Sam Coates 075 3157 0056 or s.coates1@googlemail.com
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