Opposition environment spokesman Leo Brincat has appealed to the government not to threaten the Foresta 2000 grove in Mellieha by running a road through it.
Mr Brincat expressed concern over plans for the new road, from Ghadira to Cirkewwa, saying the project would not only threaten this important afforestation project, but also destroy garigue.
While acknowledging that the existing road needed to be upgraded, Mr Brincat said the government should not be insensitive to habitats which were even protected by European law.