THE incinerator at Barry Docks has been a common theme in my column over recent months.

In actual fact, it goes back far longer than that, and it has regularly appeared in my inbox not long after I first became an AM in 2007.

But things have ramped up in the past year, particularly since then minister for environment Hannah Blythyn confirmed she was “minded to” insist an environmental impact assessment be carried out on the site.

This was on 14 February 2018 – Valentine’s Day, now over a year ago.

So it is quite staggering that there has been no further progress on this, and no decision has yet been taken.

I have repeatedly pressed Welsh Government ministers for a decision, and they have always indicated it was imminent.

In the Assembly just last week, there was more confusion, when it turned out Hannah Blythyn is still the minister responsible for the decision even though she is now deputy minister for housing.

This has gone on far too long and is completely unacceptable for Penarth residents.

My views on Natural Resources Wales are well documented, both on the incinerator and the nuclear mud-dumping off the coast of Penarth.

As it happens, I am meeting their chief executive, Claire Pillman, today – and will be making my views clear in no uncertain terms.

Rugby has always been a passion of mine, so it will come as no surprise that I always look forward to this time of year.

Of course, I’m talking about the Six Nations, both the official and “unofficial” version.

The official version you’ll all know about – as we made it three out of three on Saturday.

But the unofficial version took place earlier in the day, at Caerphilly RFC.

Along with fellow AMs, I took to the field in the annual Assembly versus Westminster match against MPs and peers.

And I’m pleased to say Wales came out on top in this fixture too, winning 46-14 – to raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK.

This is a cause close to the hearts of many in the Assembly, with South Wales East AM Steffan Lewis, and Penarth-born staff member Sam Gould losing their lives to the disease.

As ever, it was a huge honour to take part.

Marie Curie do a lot of great work for those suffering from cancer and their families including at their hospice in Penarth.

To carry on this work, they need to raise funds, with their iconic “Great Daffodil Appeal” bringing in much needed money to the charity.

I joined them in the Senedd last week as they launched the 2019 appeal, as well as promoting their support line.

With St David’s Day taking place tomorrow, I’d urge you to join me in giving generously and making the 2019 campaign the most successful yet.