The decision follows months of campaigning, collaboration and sector-wide advocacy by organisations, community groups and individuals who care deeply about the canal and its future.
The Welsh Government has confirmed it will provide up to £400,000 per year for the next five years to support a vital water supply agreement between Glandŵr Cymru (Canal & River Trust in Wales) and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. The Canal & River Trust will also contribute up to £100,000 annually, with discussions continuing to secure contributions from other partners to strengthen long-term resilience.
This announcement builds on the short-term agreement put in place in April 2025, which was due to end in March 2026. The new arrangement gives stability and certainty to a waterway that contributes over £30 million to the Welsh economy and supports more than 1,000 jobs, including boating, hospitality, local services, outdoor recreation, and tourism.
The Mon & Brec Canal is one of Wales’ most significant heritage assets — a place of leisure, a habitat for wildlife, and the backbone of a visitor economy that stretches across Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). However, increasingly variable weather patterns, prolonged dry spells, and climate impacts have made its water supply difficult to sustain.
Announcing the agreement, the Deputy First Minister said:
“The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a treasured part of Wales’ heritage and a vital economic asset for our communities, but climate change and increasingly variable weather patterns have intensified the difficulty of maintaining adequate water supplies… This agreement creates the space to develop long-term resilience for this precious waterway whilst we continue our important discussions with stakeholders.”
Ben Cottam, Regional Director for Wales & South West at Glandŵr Cymru, emphasised the historic importance of the canal:
“225 years after the first shipment of coal made its way up this canal to Brecon, the Mon & Brec remains as essential as ever. We are grateful to Welsh Government for helping bring greater resilience to the canal and establishing a network of partners to ensure it remains at the heart of Welsh life.”
Since early 2025, the future of the canal has been the focus of sector-wide campaigning, including the Senedd Rally on 9 July, strong cross-party support during the Petitions Committee debate, and persistent advocacy from boating communities, wildlife and maintenance volunteers, canal-side businesses, local councillors, and partner groups.
The creation of the Welsh Government Task & Finish Group in July brought representatives from Welsh Government, CRT, NRW, Dŵr Cymru, local authorities and community organisations together to find a sustainable solution. The announcement reflects the progress of these discussions.
This outcome was achieved by a broad coalition of committed voices, including the Inland Waterways Association, the Mon & Brec Canal Commercial Operators Group (COG), the Bridge 46 to Five Locks Canal Group, Brecon Beacons Tourism, and thousands of supporters who signed petitions or contacted their MSs and MPs.
Julie Bell, Director of Brecon Beacons Tourism, said:
“This is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with shared purpose. From live-aboard boaters and canal-side businesses to the many volunteers who work along the canal to help maintain it and protect its wildlife, the passion and commitment shown over recent months has been extraordinary.
As a small part of the wider coalition, Brecon Beacons Tourism has been proud to stand alongside those who care so deeply about the Mon & Brec. This agreement gives real hope for the canal’s future — not just as a visitor attraction, but as a living, working waterway that supports livelihoods, wellbeing and the character of our region. We’re grateful to everyone whose determination helped bring about this result.”
Brecon Beacons Tourism will continue to monitor progress as the new arrangements take shape, ensuring members and partners stay informed as further details emerge.
