The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has submitted a comprehensive and insightful response to the Welsh Parliament's Infrastructure Wales Bill, highlighting key aspects of the proposed legislation that could shape the future of significant infrastructure projects in the country.

The Bill, aimed at providing clarity and scope to the definition of "significant infrastructure projects," has garnered attention from ACE due to its potential impact on different sectors of the economy.

The submission emphasises that the clear criteria outlined in the Bill will be crucial for ACE members to understand the scope of projects and the relevant regulations that may apply. This will allow for effective evaluation of potential impacts on the environment, communities, and infrastructure networks. Highlights of ACE’s submission include:

• Balancing Efficiency with Rigorous Assessment: ACE acknowledges the Bill's intent to streamline infrastructure consent processes. However, it's vital to strike a balance between efficiency and comprehensive technical assessments to ensure sustainable and resilient projects.
• Seasonality and Timetable Challenges: ACE highlights the potential clash between strict decision-making timetables and the seasonality of data collection, which impacts the accuracy and completeness of technical reports. Early engagement and flexibility are crucial to address this issue.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: The Bill recognises cross-border projects, but ACE underscores the need for aligned behaviours between neighbouring regions. Collaborative efforts can ensure consistent application of policies, benefiting communities situated on the Welsh border.
• Funding and Consent Body Reorganisation: ACE urges clarity on funding for the consenting process, considering the existing resource constraints. Efficient implementation requires not just clear policy but also sustainable financial support for consenting bodies, promoting smoother project delivery.
• Promoting Innovation within Policy Frameworks: While adhering to policies is crucial, ACE encourages provisions that foster innovation and creative solutions. A framework allowing flexibility within policy boundaries can drive efficiency, sustainability, and adaptation to Wales' diverse infrastructure needs.

One of the significant strengths of the Bill is its recognition of cross-border projects, a matter that ACE has flagged as requiring careful consideration. The Bill acknowledges the challenges of coordination across jurisdictions and the importance of alignment and collaboration among regulatory bodies. ACE's submission highlights the role that ACE members can play in bridging the gaps and advocating for streamlined processes that minimise complications and delays, ultimately benefiting communities on both sides of the border.

The submission also underscores the need for ACE members to actively engage with local communities and stakeholders during the planning and development stages, as public consultation and community involvement are considered essential for understanding concerns and ensuring projects align with community needs.

While the Bill's provisions aim to streamline the regulatory landscape by consolidating approvals under infrastructure consent, ACE members have expressed potential concerns regarding the additional bureaucracy and time-consuming processes that might emerge. The submission underscores the importance of ensuring adequate funding for the consenting bodies and emphasises the need for close monitoring of any changes to regulations.

Furthermore, ACE's response highlights the importance of adaptable provisions to account for future technological advancements that could impact project scale or efficiencies.

The submission from ACE demonstrates a keen understanding of the complexities and potential benefits of the Infrastructure Wales Bill. The Association's insights reflect the importance of a collaborative and interconnected approach to infrastructure development that considers regional needs and fosters efficiency in resource allocation.

As the Bill progresses through the legislative process, the expertise and perspectives presented by ACE will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure landscape of Wales.

Read ACE’s submission here.

To get involved in the work of ACE Wales, please contact Guto Davies.

Find out more about ACE Wales.