Flooding in Wales

Wales announces record investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management

The Welsh Government has announced a record-breaking £85 million investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management for 2026/27 – the highest annual allocation ever delivered in Wales.

The funding was confirmed by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca‑Davies, during a visit to the major coastal defence scheme at Rover Way in Cardiff, where construction is already underway to strengthen sea defences.

This latest commitment builds on more than £377 million invested so far during the current Senedd term, marking the largest sustained programme of flood risk management funding Wales has ever undertaken.

For the 2026/27 financial year:

  • £85 million+ will be allocated to Risk Management Authorities
  • £43 million of this funding is capital investment for new flood and coastal schemes
  • A full breakdown and interactive project map will be published on the Welsh Government website

These investments aim to protect thousands of homes, businesses and community assets from the increasing risks posed by climate change, sea level rise and more frequent severe weather.

The Rover Way coastal defence project includes rock revetments, earth embankments, sheet piling, and erosion protection measures.

Once complete, it will reduce flood risk for 2,326 residential and 204 non‑residential properties for the next 100 years. The Welsh Government has funded 85% of construction costs, and fully covered all development costs.

The project forms part of the Coastal Risk Management Programme – a £291 million, five‑year national investment delivering 15 schemes across Wales and improving protection for nearly 14,000 properties.

Nature‑based interventions will include tree planting, leaky dams, and habitat restoration. These projects are expected to reduce flood risk for more than 3,300 properties, while supporting biodiversity and improving local wellbeing.

Revenue funding will also continue to support the essential daily work of Risk Management Authorities, including asset maintenance, issuing flood warnings, employing specialist staff and ensuring high‑quality data underpins decision‑making.

Deputy Welsh First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:

“We have delivered record investment in flood and coastal erosion risk management because protecting people, homes and businesses is crucial. 

“This year’s £85million of funding is the highest annual investment Wales has ever seen.  

“It will fund new schemes right across the country, maintain vital infrastructure, and help communities adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change. 

“At Rover Way you can see this investment in action. Strengthening defences, protecting thousands of properties and supporting skilled jobs - while we continue to build long-term resilience for communities across Wales.”

Wales flooding QUOTE

During the visit, the Deputy First Minister also confirmed a £500,000 external workforce development programme to grow specialist flood and coastal risk management skills across Wales over the next three years. Trainees and apprentices on site are already benefiting from the new opportunities.

 

Image credit: iStock

mag

Public Sector Executive Magazine

What does your organisation need from the Census?

Dive into our latest issue! 

More articles...

View all
Online conferences

Presenting

2025 Online Conferences

In partnership with our community of public sector leaders responsible for procurement and strategy across local authorities and the wider public sector, we’ve devised a collaborative calendar of conferences and events for leaders of industry to listen, learn and collaborate through engaging and immersive conversation.

All our conferences are CPD accredited, which means you can gain points to advance your career by attending our online conferences. Also, the contents are available on demand so you can re-watch at your convenience.

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Listen to industry leaders on everything within the public sector

From government policies and public administration to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we explore the challenges and innovations shaping our communities.

 

Join us as we speak with industry leaders, policymakers, and frontline professionals, providing you with valuable insights and perspectives to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.