In the wake of the recent public outrage over the savage pruning of the trees lining St Ġorġ Preca College in Ħamrun, a course on tree pruning is to be set up.

It will run later this year following an agreement between the Environment and Education ministries, Environment Minister Leo Brincat announced yesterday.

The course will present the latest techniques in tree pruning and will be divided into varying degrees of specialisation.

It is to be held at the Centre of Agribusiness at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.

“One of the main shortcomings is not only the abuse itself but the fact there might be a lack of sufficient knowledge regarding tree pruning, even among the most devoted people,” Mr Brincat said.

He was speaking outside the Institute of Applied Science in Mcast, where an Air Quality Monitoring System has been newly installed.

The advanced piece of equipment, which represents a €128,000 investment co-funded by the EU’s European Regional Development Fund, will test air quality at the college’s campus in Paola.

More than 270 students are expected to make use of the equipment to acquire hands-on experience in air monitoring techniques while learning about air-borne matter and its effect on air quality. The equipment will measure the levels of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (emissions from vehicles and industrial polluters), carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon in fuels) and sulphur dioxide.

As well as producing readings in real time, the monitoring system logs, analyses and transmits them to reception locations.

Through regular monitoring, the institute’s students and lecturers will be able to identify any problems and propose measures to improve air quality on campus.

Students will also be able to compile data about air quality levels in Malta, which they can then use for further research and analysis during their studies.

Mr Brincat said the monitoring equipment was hopefully one of a wide spectrum of real time air quality monitoring systems to be installed across the Maltese Islands.

“We can’t speak of clean air if we don’t propel clean technology. The equipment will help solidify the educational backbone of a very important sector, as well as raise awareness on the importance of having real time monitoring.”

He urged more students to enrol in the diploma and Bachelor of Science courses as there was a great need for specialisation in environmental engineering and waste management.

Final submissions of applications for Mcast courses will be accepted from September 23 to 25 between 8.30am and 12.30pm.