A local county councillor has admitted that for all the global attention and local enthusiasm events such as Ironman Wales generate, they do come at a cost.

Cllr Rhys Jordan, county councillor for the wards of St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) and St Florence has asked constituents for feedback on the annual Ironman Wales and the Long Course Weekend - sporting events that he states ‘bring out the Lycra-clad athletes and the road-closure complainers’ in equal measure.

“I’ve been on both sides of that coin. Long before I swapped my wetsuit for a tie and entered the world of local politics, I had my own flirtation with triathlons,” he remarked.

“There’s something intoxicating about the challenge, the discipline, and that moment when you cross the finish line with absolutely nothing left to give. It’s a life I know well, which makes my current ambivalence about these events all the more complicated.

“On the one hand, it's impossible to deny the positive impact these events have had on South Pembrokeshire. They’ve put us on the map in a way few other things could. Thousands of competitors and spectators from across the globe descend on our stunning coastline each year, showcasing our region to the world.

“And let’s not forget the ripple effect: you only have to look around to see how many local residents have been inspired to take up running, cycling, or swimming. That’s a fantastic legacy, one that encourages healthier, more active lifestyles. As someone who spent a good chunk of my earlier years training for triathlons, I can't overstate how life-changing regular physical activity can be. This has to be a good thing.

“But here's the rub, there’s a flip side to all of this. For all the global attention and local enthusiasm these events generate, they come at a cost. Pembrokeshire County Council is shelling out £65,000 a year to support Ironman Wales, and in today’s climate, that’s a significant amount of money,” continued Cllr Jordan.

“When you see cuts being made elsewhere, like the closure of adult day centres, questions inevitably arise about priorities. Is it right to spend taxpayer money on these events when we’re having to make such tough decisions about essential services? It’s a dilemma I wrestle with, even more so now that I'm in a position where I’m responsible for those decisions.

“Then there's the disruption. We all know what happens in the days leading up to race day - road closures, traffic diversions, businesses affected, and a general sense that life is put on pause for a while. For many residents, especially those not directly involved in the events, this disruption is more than a mere inconvenience.

“It’s a significant disruption to their daily lives, and it’s easy to see why some might question whether the benefits truly outweigh the costs.

“However, as someone who understands the draw of triathlons and as a representative of the people of Pembrokeshire I find myself standing in the middle of this debate. These events have undeniable value, but they also come with undeniable challenges. The real question is, how do we make it work for everyone?”

Cllr Jordan stated that he firmly believes a way can be found to host these events while minimising the strain on the community.

“It’s about balance, making sure the financial support is justified, ensuring the disruption is managed effectively, and finding ways for more residents to feel they’re benefiting from these events rather than being inconvenienced by them.

“So yes, I’ll continue to cheer on the competitors from the sidelines, but I’ll also keep asking the hard questions. If we’re going to host these events, we need to make sure they work for all of us, not just the athletes or the event organisers, but the entire Pembrokeshire community. That’s what really matters to me,” he added.

Cllr Jordan has asked members of the public to share theit feedback on the event, via the following link: https://forms.gle/wvPHSEch5qsXizvv6