An investigation into dumped construction waste in Gozo was held three months ago at a protected site where the European Commission last week said no action was being taken.

A planning authority spokesman told the Times of Malta the illegal dumping of construction waste in the area known as Ta’ Slima, in Dwejra was investigated in June.

He was reacting to a statement by the European Commission, which said it would intervene to stop the dumping in the protected Natura 2000 site.

The claim that no action has been taken is simply not correct

The Commission had weighed in on the issue following a question by Nationalist MEP Therese Comodini Cachia who said that reports of the dumping had “fallen on deaf ears”.

The spokesman said Mepa had taken action on the dumping before it was reported to the Commission by Dr Comodini Cachia. Though it had taken some time to establish where the illegality had taken place “due to the remote location of the site”, a daily €20 fine had been imposed on the landowner.

“The claim that no action has been taken is simply not correct,” the Mepa spokesman insisted.

The illegal dumping of construction waste in Gozo had first hit the headlines in June when a large amount of building debris was seen being tipped onto the area. The site near Dwejra is known for its stunning views and is a popular spot with horticulturists who visit to enjoy several protected plants.

A makeshift limestone wall has recently been erected and locals who asked to remain anonymous said heavy trucks were still regularly seen accessing the area.

The Mepa spokesman said the waste had not yet been cleared, however, the regulator was now considering removing the waste itself and billing the landowner.

The daily fine means the land owner has so far accumulated nearly €2,000 in penalties. The spokesman did not say whether these had been paid.

ivan.martin@timesofmalta.com