Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle has pressed the case for improved rail services in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent with the First Minster.
The Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili and Rhymni MS said improvements to rail services would offer people in the area greater opportunities to access major population centres.
In a question to Rhun ap Iorwerth at the Senedd, Lindsay Whittle said: “Residents in Nelson have campaigned for a reopening of the rail connection to the main Rhymney Valley line for many years. Discussions have taken place on an extension from the Ebbw Vale line to a proposed Abertillery Transport Interchange as part of the Cardiff Capital Region. It is an ongoing issue.
“Rail extensions to these areas would provide expanded opportunities and access to the major centres around the south of Wales and the rest of Britain.
“Will the First Minister please confirm that relevant discussions with the rail authorities and others will continue until we achieve our ambition and give these two proud valley communities more access because they are relying on us?”
The First Minister said: “Working with Transport for Wales, we’ll deliver better rail services in Blaenau Gwent, Caerffili and Rhymni with more trains, faster, more reliable services and investment in stations, including Caerphilly Interchange.”
The First Minister said his government was committed to improving services in communities isolated from good quality and that was why the Welsh Government was seeking the devolution of rail.
“Where we do have control on the core Valleys line, for example, the decision was made on reopening, such as the line to Nelson and between Aberdare and Hirwaun. But any reopening requires significant funding. That is why we need a fair funding settlement for rail from the UK Government. Just imagine what we could do with that £5bn of money owed to us because of HS2.”