The EU funds watchdog is probing possible misuse of a 2011 grant for a restoration project at the Barracuda restaurant, which included the balcony that collapsed earlier this month leaving a number of diners injured.
This was confirmed by an EU Funds Parliamentary Secretariat spokesman in reply to questions by Times of Malta.
He said the managing authority, which oversees such grants, made a request to carry out the necessary verifications a few days following the May 16 incident. Eight French tourists were admitted to hospital, including a woman who suffered grievous injuries.
When informed about this, the restaurant owners’ lawyer said he was surprised. “At no point have we been informed of any investigation being undertaken by the authorities into the possible misuse of EU funds,” the lawyer said.
He pointed out that, following the works in 2011, the relevant authorities had made an inspection. “The grant was used for the intended purpose and applied in line with the requirements. Any investigation would simply reveal that,” a spokesman for the restaurant owners said.
At no point have we been informed of any investigation being undertaken
The owners, who are carrying out their own investigation into the incident, declined to comment further saying it would be premature to do so before having the findings in hand.
Barracuda restaurant had twice benefitted from EU funds. However, funds for structural works were only allocated once, in 2011, when €13,800 were awarded for restoration works.
Works included cleaning the facade, replacing deteriorated masonry work, restoration of balconies, replacement of concrete accretions with stonework and new louvred windows for the timber balcony. An on-site inspection by the relevant authorities to certify the implementation of such works had been carried out on January 21, 2011. The aim of the checks was to certify the expenditure incurred and ensure all the jobs listed were carried out as per grant agreement.
The managing authority felt they had to seek fresh assurances in view of the balcony collapse.
The EU Funds Parliamentary Secretariat spokesman told this newspaper the managing authority had written to the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit, which was responsible for grant schemes at the time, asking them to carry out their own assessment to make sure everything was done in line with the aim of the grants granted.
Established in 1978, the Barracuda restaurant, located by the water’s edge in Balluta Bay, is a family-run business renowned for fine dining. The eating place, housed in an 18th century villa, re-opened for business last Thursday.