Less than four kilometres of new pathway was created for the all Wales Coastal Path last year, figures obtained by the Welsh Conservatives reveal today
The 2.44 miles of new access was revealed following a series of requests for information from Shadow Environment Minister Darren Millar.
The Clwyd West AM described the figures as “disappointing” and “significantly less than imagined” when the plans were first announced by the First Minister in June 2006.
On top of the 3.94km of new access created in 2007/8, a further 35km of the coastal path was improved, figures released to Mr Millar have revealed.
The Shadow Environment Minister said Welsh Conservatives remain fully committed to supporting the path, which he claimed is an important asset to Wales.
Mr Millar today called on the Assembly Government to explain its plans for the remainder of the project covering the 1,200km or 750 miles of coastline around Wales.
Darren Millar AM said:
“When you consider the coastal path is one of the Assembly Government's flagship environmental policies the lack of progress seems incredible.
"These figures are extremely disappointing and significantly less than imagined when the First Minister launched the project two years ago.
“The all Wales coastal path has the potential to become a big selling point for Welsh tourism and to promote walking and healthy lifestyles in Wales.
“The Environment Minister must now set out what she is proposing to do with this development over the next few years in terms of improving access to the beautiful Welsh coastal landscape.
“The minister must also do more to ensure this project has the full support of landowners along its projected route and that they are compensated for any losses which they incur.
“There are many economic, health and social benefits to be gained from developing this path along the full length of the Welsh coastline.
“Figures so far suggest that progress is pitifully slow and that there is still a long way to go.”