Birżebbuġa residents cheered at the end of a marathon Mepa hearing this evening, as the planning authority rejected a renewal application for the extension of Terminal 1 west quay at the Malta Freeport, citing the project’s environmental impact and residents’ wellbeing.
In a stormy three-hour hearing punctuated with residents’ vociferous objections, the Mepa board voted unanimously against the proposal.
Chairman Vince Cassar noted that as the Freeport’s functioning was not impeded with its current facilities, there was no justification for extending residents’ inconvenience.
Moreover, he said, there were several environmental considerations under Mepa’s Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED) that had to be taken into account.
A permit to extend the quay, which included dredging the fairway and berth of the quay to increase sea-depth and reclaiming an area behind the quay wall, was originally granted in 2007. The renewal was requested after dredging works dragged on longer than expected.
The project architect said the extension would allow the Freeport to cater for larger vessels, and that for the Freeport to maintain its place as a mainstay of the local economy, it had to upgrade its facilities and remain competitive.
Residents, however, argued that the project moved the Freeport’s operations closer to the town’s residential area, lowering the quality of life and interrupting recreational activities.
Architect Carmel Caccopardo said noise and vibration from the works had caused extensive inconvenience and even structural damage to residences in the area.
Among those speaking out against the project was newly-independent MP Marlene Farrugia.
“For years we’ve witnessed the destruction of Birżebbuġa in the name of the national interest,” she said. “The national interest cannot only preserve the interests of industry but of all Maltese people. You’ve taken everything you could, now it’s time to say enough is enough and seek a balance.”
Meanwhile, the Mepa board suspended its decision on a related application to sanction four new, larger cranes at Terminals 1 and 2.
The cranes, which were installed last month before a permit was granted, have a height of 140m, just 10m lower than the Delimara power station chimney.
The planning directorate recommended approval subject to a planning gain of €950,000, in light of the increased impact on the surrounding environment.
Transport Malta noted that the cranes penetrated aviation flight-paths by 18m, but did not raise objections on the basis of the Freeport’s essential function.
The Mepa board, however, decided not to proceed until express clarification could be obtained from Transport Malta.