The Tal-Veċċja breakwater in St Paul’s Bay will be upgraded and repaired after an EU-funded project was approved yesterday by the planning authority.

Filed by the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, the permit is intended to upgrade the breakwater, classified as a designated port for fish landings, which “is in urgent need of repair”. It also requires protection intervention, since it is exposed to northeasterly winds.

From a planning point of view, the development “raises no particular issues” as its existing use as a fishing harbour will be retained and is considered an acceptable use in the area, according to the case officer’s report.

Upgrading the breakwater was in line with planning policies for the area, which have identified the harbour for the development of a yacht marina. The report highlighted that the breakwater was battered by northeasterly winds, which blow for 10 per cent of each year – especially in March and September. It is estimated that the average wind force ranges from 11 to 17 knots, whipping up violent sea storms.

The concrete arm was subjected to “intense wave battering” that has damaged the structure in various parts for decades. A number of fissures have developed, accelerating the damage. It dates back to the 1930s and has been used since then as a landing facility for fishermen in the area as well as other boats.

The works include the removal of the existing concrete surface, refilling the fissures and covering them with rubble mound armour.

A survey of the seabed revealed that the area is very disturbed because of vessel use, fishing and dumping.

However, the water quality in Tal-Veċċja and Xemxija bay was classified by the authorities as “excellent”.

The report highlighted storm water run-off as one of the main sources of pollution in the area, which collects particulate matter, and waste.

Another possible source was the sewage overflows during heavy rainstorms and oil from vessels.