Mepa's decision to allow the government to berth a gas storage tanker in the middle of Marsaxlokk Bay will not halt the European Parliament's examination of the safety elements of the project vis-a-vis the EU’s Seveso Directive, MEP Roberta Metsola said today.

“I have led the petition in the European Parliament urging the European Commission to investigate the risk to the public’s safety by the Government’s plans to berth a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to shore. This process will continue despite the flawed decision reached by MEPA in support of the Government”, said Dr Metsola.

“While the result of the MEPA hearing came as no surprise, it showed clearly that there are still too many unanswered questions and too many unstudied risks. The hearing showed that there has been no full maritime impact assessment and there has been no final risk study carried out. It has done nothing to alleviate legitimate fears of residents in the vicinity. What it has done is that it has showed this Government’s true colours. The Prime Minister sent a letter to MEPA before the hearing informing them that irrespective of any possible appeal the Government will ignore all opposition and steamroll ahead,” added Dr Metsola.

“Over the past weeks I have met with many concerned citizens of the towns and villages that are most affected by this proposed project and they cannot understand why these unnecessary risks are being taken in this manner. In contrast, other EU Member States with similar projects, such as those off the Italian ports of Livorno and Ancona, have ensured that safety is paramount and that the legitimate concerns of residents were addressed by stationing the depot a safe distance away from them, with proper security zones around the vessel. None of the above safety provisions are envisaged in this project.

After the petition was presented to the European Parliament by Dr Metsola, it will now be considered by the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee.