It is "high time" that dust emissions from the construction industry are controlled and air quality improved, Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil said yesterday as he noted complaints from residents neighbouring a quarry in Naxxar.

A petition was presented to Dr Busuttil by the residents who are concerned about the large quantity of "fine dust" originating from a nearby construction plant owned by Carmel Vella Ltd.

During a press conference held near the plant, Dr Busuttil said that air pollution in Malta was a "national problem" and that plants should be bound by the same regulations as construction sites with regard to dust emissions and pollution.

The complaints called for a scientific air quality study by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to see whether air quality regulations are being breached, he said.

If a breach is found steps would be taken accordingly.

A resident of the affected area said "fine dust" originating from the plant is being carried to residential areas by the wind, adding that all the residents want is a solution to the problem.

"We have no interest in stopping the company's activity," he said.

Dr Busuttil said that while he recognised the complaints, an official study would be required to establish whether any European directives on air pollution were being breached.

He pledged to tackle the problem, saying he would be meeting with the plant's management to discuss immediate remedial solutions to alleviate the problem.

Dr Busuttil also said that he would be meeting with Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino to raise the issue of air pollution and the possibility of extending regulations that bind construction sites to cover also construction plants.