Updated 8.10pm - Adds Mater Dei solar project

The government will soon be entering into a €16 million private-public partnership for the extension, maintenance, and restoration of the Addolorata cemetery, Health Minister Chris Fearne said today.

Addressing a public consultation session, Mr Fearne "unveiled" the project which he said previous governments had long been dragging their feet on. A call for expressions of interest would be issued in the coming days.

Mr Fearne said the contract would see an additional 2,800 graves added to the "crowded" cemetery. The contract will be tied to a €6 million restoration obligation to be undertaken by the chosen concessionaire.

Dr Fearne at today's public consultation meeting. Photo: Ivan Martin

A new policy for cemeteries was unveiled by the government in April 2014 by then-Planning Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon. 

In February 2015, the Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Planning declared that it agreed with a planning authority proposal to extend existing cemeteries, including historic ones, although members could not agree as to whether the private sector ought to be involved. 

Mater Dei hospital to get solar energy boost

Mr Fearne also announced the government’s plans for a sustainable energy project at Mater Dei Hospital. The laying of several solar panels at the State hospital will generate around a third of its power needs, he said. 

A larger infrastructural project was also in the pipeline. Mr Fearne said that by this time next year Kirkop should have its own Health Centre.

In the more medium term, the government wanted to build a dedicated maternity and paediatrics hospital near Mater Dei. The government was still identifying a possible site to house this, but Mr Fearne said it was certain that this would be State financed.