The government said today it would appeal a decision by Mepa granting Malta Freeport a year-long permit to repair oil rigs.

It said the government's position was reflected in the negative vote by Labour MP Joseph Sammut, the prime minister's representative on the Mepa board.

The government said similar permits were issued in the past for works on specific projects.

Birzebbuga local council yesterday also voiced its opposition to the permit.

The PN's representative on the Mepa board, Ryan Callus, also voted against. 

Times of Malta reported this morning that Mepa's  permit for the Freeport to extend its activities to oil rigs maintenance is not in line with the law.

The existing Freeport development permit dealt with the use of facilities as a transhipment base and not as a centre where ships were repaired, AD deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo said. For the Freeport to extend its activities to include the maintenance of oil rigs, a new application is required to revise its existing development permit.

Birzebbuga local council, which said that the decision would transform the Freeport into a shipyard.

Mr Callus said the permit meant moving from the transhipment of containers to maintenance. "This is a totally different area of operation.”

See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140405/local/Freeport-s-oil-rig-work-permit-not-within-law-.513596

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