The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has today launched it’s Delivering Infrastructure 2050 manifesto ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections.

The trade association argues that the next Welsh Government must embed early engineering and consultant engagement at the pre-planning and investment-shaping stage to avoid delay and cost overruns to major Welsh infrastructure projects.

Gary Davies, Chair of ACE Wales, said: “I witness every day the level of expertise that exists within our sector, from international companies to highly skilled Welsh SMEs embedded within local communities. Yet all too often, that expertise is called upon too late.

“By engaging consultants earlier, providing clearer pipelines of work, and procurement systems that prioritise quality and outcomes, we can create the conditions needed for the Welsh construction sector to flourish.”

The report also builds on momentum created by recently announced investment in Wales’ rail network to propose a ‘whole‑network public transport strategy’ - ensuring any new rail powers for the Welsh Government supports integrated investment in buses, mass transit and active travel.

Ben Brittain, Director of Public Affairs at ACE and author of the report, said: “ACE’s Wales manifesto sets out the reforms needed so Wales can plan its infrastructure more strategically – ensuring alignment to major economic assets, such as the North Wales Metro, new nuclear at Wylfa and the Wrexham–Flintshire Investment Zone, to improve workforce access and supply‑chain connectivity.”

Notes to editors

The Delivering Infrastructure 2050 manifesto sets out a wide programme of reforms aimed at improving how infrastructure is planned and delivered across Wales, including procurement reform, new approaches to private investment and measures to upgrade Wales’ outdated housing stock. The full report can be accessed here.