Updated - Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has dismissed concerns and opposition by Messina Council and an environmental NGO over the Sicily-Malta interconnector project, saying their concerns have already been addressed.

The council and Movimento Territorio di Ragusa expressed opposition to plans for the electricity interconnector going through Ragusa.

They said they would be at the frontline against the project for environmental reasons, arguing that the structure, particularly an on-shore terminal, would harm the area near Marina di Ragusa and the mouth of the River Irminio.

In comments to timesofmalta.com, Mr Fenech said he was confident the final go-ahead for the granting of the permits would be given by the Italian authorities in the coming weeks. The national government was backing the project and the Regional Council had already over-ruled the concerns of Ragusa Council, he said.

Mr Fenech pointed out that most of the interconnector on the Sicily side would be underground and in a committed area which already had a water treatment plant.

Therefore, he was confident that the project would not be derailed.

The Movement said that as far back as June last year, the Mayor of Ragusa, Nello Dipasquele, had already voiced opposition to the project and called on the proponents to interrupt the procedure for the implementation of the project.

He had called for alternative solutions which would protect the environment.