DYFODOL CHALLENGES THE LATEST PLAN TO DEVELOP YET ANOTHER HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Dyfodol i’r Iaith has expressed grave reservations about another plan to develop a substantial holiday village in the north west. The organisation believes that the new proposal earmarked for the old Octel site near Amlwch constitutes not only a threat to the Welsh language, but also to the viability and diversity of the local economy.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol’s Chair said:

“We would ask Ynys Môn Council to be very wary of this application and seriously consider the priorities of the community and the Welsh language. The main problem regarding such developments, as we see it, is the lack of benefit they bring to the local community.

Such tourism ventures should be in local hands and the profits diversified to help create a robust and varied local economy. If the sector is carefully developed, then ultimately that which we oppose – an economy that is over-dependent on tourism – can be avoided.

Unfortunately this plan, which syphons profit away from the community,would appear to be culturally harmful and exploitative of the wider local economy. “

 

DYFODOL DEMANDS ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES

Dyfodol has written to the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism calling for adequate funding for the National Library of Wales. Here are our arguments:

We oppose any further cuts which will threaten the future of an establishment essential to the history, culture and indeed the identity of the nation.

At a time when history, culture and their interpretation are so important and when sincere and necessary efforts are made to highlight marginalised cultures and viewpoints, we believe that the concept of a National Library which safeguards all of Wales’s cultures becomes ever more important in terms of defining our identity and our place in the world.

As an organisation which lobbies for the good of the Welsh language, our priorities are based upon the history, literature and objects that relate to the language; this is what we wish to see protected and interpreted for future generations. We also recognise that any threat to the Library is also a threat not only to the history of our language but to all the cultures of Wales.

More and not less staff and resources are needed if the Library is to function inclusively. We also note and regret the loss of jobs within an organisation which always used to place an emphasis on Welsh as the language of the workplace.

We cannot see any justification for this harm and would be pleased to receive your comments on this disturbing situation.

DYFODOL CALLS FOR A REVIEW OF THE GWYNEDD AND MÔN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Dyfodol i’r Iaith is calling upon the local authorities of Gwynedd and Môn to review the target noted in their current Local Development Plan to build 7,184 new homes up to 2026.

The Development Plan was drawn up within the context of the future development of Wylfa atomic power station. Following the announcement that this plan will not be going ahead, Dyfodol believes that it is essential to review these building targets which are by now superfluous to local need.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’r Chair said:

“From the start, we were convinced that the Local Development Plan included building targets that were totally unsuitable for the area, and by now, there can surely be no justification in following a framework that is not only unsustainable, but which also threatens the Welsh language as a social medium.

We therefore call for an urgent review of the Local Development Plan, with priority being given to local needs – both economically and linguistically. Emphasis should be placed upon sustainable energy and supporting local businesses.”