Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1305625
16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 NOVEMBER 2020 NEWS JAMES DEBONO THE Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage has shot down photomontages showing the visual impact of the proposed mooring facilities in Comino, warning that these will reduce the Blue Lagoon into a poolside lido. The proposed works, which are fronted by Transport Mal- ta, were vaguely endorsed in the last Budget which refers to "in- frastructural works in the Blue Lagoon area." After reviewing the photomon- tages presented by Transport Malta the Superintendence in- sisted that the project remains unacceptable from a cultural heritage point of view. The SCH also expressed "grave concern at the inevitable for- malisation of the area which will reduce this iconic location of picturesque natural beauty to a poolside lido". The Superintendence once again emphasized the signifi- cance of the location of the pro- posed development, which is known for its "unparalleled sce- nic and iconic beauty." Transport Malta's 136m-long pier at the Blue Lagoon was first proposed, then dropped, by the Gozo Ministry two years ago, following objections by the SCH. TM is now proposing the con- struction of the pier, extend- ing from the existing pier and running along the course of the foreshore, as well as removing existing concrete walkways. The extended wooden-decked pier will rest on piles embedded in the seabed. TM said the pier will improve passenger safety by providing a level surface to access the fer- ries, apart from removing the concrete passages and restoring the shoreline to its original state. "Large ferry boats currently dis- embark passengers along this stretch of the coast, and pas- sengers then access the bay via the said structures which are a health and safety hazard, espe- cially for the mobility impaired." But the pier is also expected to have negative environmental impacts. TM's project devel- opment statement warns that the artificial structure along the otherwise natural coastline will be visible in views of the Blue Lagoon from the higher grounds around the site. And since the pier will facilitate the mooring of larger ferries, it introduces the risk of having large vessels that will further disturb the views of the Blue La- goon inlet, apart from increased numbers of visitors that disturb the protected or sensitive Natu- ra 2000 habitats and species. EIA consultants AIS have pro- posed a capping for boats of var- ious sizes to ensure the inlet is not over-saturated with mooring boats. Heritage warning: Pier will turn Blue Lagoon into poolside lido Transport Malta's 136m-long pier at the Blue Lagoon was first proposed, then dropped, by the Gozo Ministry Pier will facilitate mooring of larger ferries, introducing risk of large vessels that will disturb Blue Lagoon