Mepa approves controversial Freeport extension

Birzebbuga residents walked out of a meeting of the Mepa board this morning as the board gave its go-ahead for an extension of Terminal 1 by land reclamation in a creek. The only vote against was by Labour MP Roderick Galdes.

The project was refused when it was first proposed last year, amid fierce opposition by the residents, who said that it would bring freeport activities closer to their homes.

A Freeport representative argued before the board that the project had been given the go-ahead in Parliament and an outline development permit had been issued by Mepa. He said the Freeport was taking a number of measures within an Environment Management System to improve its operation, including using quieter equipment.

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, representing the Birzebbuga Action Group, said no changes had been made from the proposals which were turned down last year and there were no grounds for approval. Mayor Joseph Farrugia said ships would be berthing practically in the back gardens of Birzebbuga homes.

Mepa Chairman Austin Walker underlined the economic importance of the Freeport but said environmental considerations had to be given importance. He also pointed out to the prior Parliamentary approval and the granting of the outline permit.

Last year the Freeport was also given the go-ahead to dredge the sea floor to allow bigger ships to berth, a decision which also angered the residents.

Mr Farrugia said this morning that since the dredging started there had been accelerated erosion of the sandy beach.

Parliament gave its approval for the extension early in 2008 as the Freeport announced plans to invest a further €130 million and raise throughput to three million containers. Jobs will increase by a further 500 in five years.