The parish priests of Gozo have reiterated a call made in 2011 for a study on the pros and cons of a tunnel between Gozo and Malta.
At a meeting chaired by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, the parish priests said Gozo was continuing to suffer double insularity which was hindering its development.
They were also well aware of the problems encountered by workers and students who needed to cross to Malta regularly.
The parish priests said they believed better accessibility would improve the rhythm of economic development.
They, therefore, welcomed the current debate on a permanent link and called for a comprehensive study on the economic environmental and social impact which such a link would have.