Having made repeated calls over the years for a National Observatory for Wales in the Clwydian Range, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has this week raised the issue again with the Welsh Government. 

In yesterday’s Business Statement, Darren called for a statement from the Minister with responsibility for science on the opportunity that there is to establish a National Observatory in Wales, highlighting the quality of the dark skies in north east Wales. 

He said: 

“It is an issue that I've raised in the Chamber in the past, in particular with your predecessor as Trefnydd in her capacity as the then Minister for North Wales, and she was as keen as I was to explore the opportunity for a National Observatory for Wales, particularly in the dark skies around north-east Wales in what will be the new National Park covering the Clwydian range and Dee valley.

“It struck me that there was an article in the news very recently about the quality of the dark skies in Wales. They are amongst the best, the very best, in the world, but unfortunately very few people are aware of them. When it comes to Google searches very few people are searching out Wales and its dark skies opportunities, and that presents an opportunity for us. So, can I have an update on the ability of the Welsh Government to look at the feasibility of establishing a new national observatory for Wales in collaboration with our Welsh universities and our national park?”

Responding, the Trefnydd (Business Manager), Jane Hutt MS, said: 

“That's a really important question that I need to follow up, obviously, with the relevant Cabinet Secretary, but with the fact that you've linked it as well, and a North Wales perspective, to the national park development, I will raise it with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales. But it is a real opportunity as well, as I know that this provides an opportunity for people to visit Wales because of the splendour of our night skies.”