Plaid Cymru Ynys Môn have welcomed the news that the Anglesey Freeport bid has been successful with both the Welsh and UK Governments announcing they were supporting the bid.
“We are very glad the Freeport bid has the support of both Governments and that the potential to create jobs which comes in its wake has come to Anglesey,” said Anglesey County Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi, who also holds the Economic Development Portfolio.
“Freeport status will be an important driver in securing a brighter future for the people of Ynys Môn and north Wales,” she added.
“Too many of our young people have had to leave their communities to find decent jobs and a secure future. We want that to change, and Freeport can help.”
The successful bid was jointly developed by the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Stena Line who own Holyhead Port.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by our staff and partners. I’d personally like to thank them and the people of Ynys Môn and North Wales for supporting our bid,” said Llinos Medi.
“We will now work with Stena Line, and other key partners, to prepare a comprehensive and robust business case to be submitted later this year. This will support our aim of creating communities that are healthy, thriving, and prosperous, as well as keep the Welsh language alive on the island.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth, Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, also welcomed the announcement.
“Having fought and won assurances on workers’ rights and environmental protections, and for a level playing field with England in terms of funding, I’m confident that with careful planning this freeport status can bring real economic potential,” he said.
According to initial modelling estimates, the freeport could attract up to £1bn investment and up to 13,000 jobs across the region.