THE HS2 high-speed rail project could have “an adverse impact on the economy of south Wales”, the Welsh Government’s transport boss has said.

Speaking in the Assembly this week, economy and transport secretary Ken Skates said he was concerned the amount of funding the UK Government had committed towards the new service between London and Manchester and Leeds, currently estimated to cost £56 billion, would mean rail lines in Wales would be neglected.

Although he said some areas of north Wales could benefit from the new line, Mr Skates said estimates by the UK Government itself had predicted the new service could damage south Wales' economy to the tune of £200 million a year.

“There is the potential for HS2 to have an adverse impact on the economy of south Wales," he said. “That's why we're arguing that we need to see investment in the south Wales main line come as soon as possible, to ensure that south Wales, and, indeed, this applies to the south-west of England, remain competitive and go on being competitive on a UK and global stage."

But he added: “What we should not do is argue that we should hold back the prosperity of one region in order to maintain current levels of prosperity for another.

“What we should be arguing for is enhancements across all regions.

“That's why, again, I clearly state that HS2, whilst it could have an adverse impact on south Wales, if we get the right level of investment into south Wales and the main line into and from south Wales, then the adverse impact could be mitigated.”

Mr Skates was speaking as he announced two new 'strategic outline programme cases' for south and north Wales, setting out key priorities for the regions' rail lines, led by Cardiff University's professor Mark Barry, the brains behind the South Wales Metro project.

"We are committed to work with agencies on both sides of the border to deliver an integrated transport system," he said.

He added public consultations into plans for the development of rail would be launched later in the year.

Mr Skates also presented figures showing journey times between south Wales and London had not improved over the past 30 years, while journeys in England were much quicker.