Gozo Minister Anton Refalo suggested today that a tunnel should be dug under Fort Chambray for an alternative road to Mgarr Harbour.

Replying to a question in parliament by Nationalist MP Censu Galea on progress made in plans for a cruise liner terminal and a yacht marina in Gozo, the minister referred to a 2007 report commissioned by the former government which listed the problems Gozo faced.

He said the report was still relevant, particularly how the problems caused by the the small size of the Mgarr Harbour, which was just big enough to handle the three Gozo Channel ferries.

It would also need to be extended for a new fast ferry service. 

Clearly, the harbour would need to be extended for cruise ships to safely berth there. The report's call for a bigger harbour should be studied more.

Another problem was that Mgarr harbour was served by only one road. An alternative was needed, and Dr Refalo said his personal view was that a new road should run through a tunnel under Fort Chambray.  

He also pointed out that the government had issued a request for proposals on the cruise terminal project and studies were continuing.

Asked about plans for a service by a fixed-wing aircraft, the minister said this was not a priority, since the government was focused on building a tunnel between Malta and Gozo.