Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1122280
9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 MAY 2019 JAMES DEBONO THE erection of a promenade along Triq Tat-Tarbija and Triq Għeriexem just past the Roman Villa, opposite Mtarfa, will still result in the removal of around 15 to 20 trees in- cluding the largest Ficus carica trees (sigar tat-tin) found in the Maltese islands. The take-up of ODZ land for the construction of the prom- enade proposed by the Trans- port and Infrastructure Min- istry was originally planned to extend over 2,536sq.m of un- developed ODZ land. But following a public uproar, a large open space proposed at the bend at the corner with Triq Doni has been removed to reduce the impact on ODZ land even if the revised design will still extend over 1,971sq.m of undeveloped ODZ land Although not protected by law the fig trees could be in- cluded in a designated Tree Protected Area (TPA) accord- ing to the Environment and Resources Authority which is now calling for a further revi- sion of plans to safeguard "the unique large fig trees" which should be integrated into the project design. Previously the Ministry had presented a letter by Ambjent Malta stating that the trees that will have to be uprooted are not protected and include "... fruit trees, bambinella, vines and Ficus carica". The latter tree species showed evi- dence of infection by the bark beetle. According to ERA the unde- veloped land to be taken up by the proposed development also contains a number of important species. The exist- ing retaining wall along Triq Għeriexem hosts a large popu- lation of Lepidium graminifo- lium (buttuniera wieqfa).This species commonly occurs in Gozo but is scarce in Malta. The proposed works also overlap with an area rich in water-associated and scarce plants which are a result of the outflow of water from the Għajn Għeriexem freshwater spring, found directly opposite to this area. The proposed development site is located on the edge of the Rabat-Dingli plateau on Triq Tat-Tabija and Triq Għeriexem along the north- ern edge of Ir-Rabat, Malta. The said road starts from next to the Domus Romana, lead- ing to the Nigret recreational and Ghajn: The National Wa- ter Conservation Awareness Centre. The surrounding area consists of agricultural land and residential areas. Agricul- tural land is located in the tal- Gheriexem valley. Extensions beyond the de- velopment zone boundary will be undertaken through cantilevered decks supported by piles. The piles will have a diameter of 90cm. Piling will be carried out both from the existing road and from beyond the existing wall, below street level. The proposal will have a to- tal of 200 piles: 100 piles will be within the footprint of the existing road, whereas the other 100 piles will be located beyond the existing retaining wall. The piles will be placed at 6.5-metre intervals. The piling in the outer area will be carried out from a temporary platform protruding beyond the existing road. NEWS IRRESTAWRA DAREK 2019 For the third consecutive year, the Planning Authority has relaunched the Irrestawra Darek scheme to assist in the regeneration of our village core areas. If you live in a property which is located within Urban Conservation Areas or a scheduled Grade 1 or 2 residential building you can benefit from this €5 million grant scheme. There are funds allocated and special benefits specifically for the renovation of streetscapes not less than 50m within an Urban Conservation Area. This scheme will open on the 10th June 2019 and is available on a first come first served basis. To apply contact an architect of your choice. . Terms and conditions apply. For more information go to www.pa.org.mt PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING AND THE PROPERTY MARKET Largest Maltese fig trees threatened by Rabat promenade The erection of a promenade along Triq Tat- Tarbija and Triq Gheriexem just past the Roman Villa, opposite Mtarfa, will still result in the removal of around 15 to 20 trees