Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540302
16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 OCTOBER 2025 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt SWITCH OFF You'll be pleased to hear we've got over 250 kids' channels on our flights. Enjoy some rest and relaxation while they explore worlds of their own, with take-home toys and goodies on top. Fly Emirates in comfort from Malta to over 150 destinations. as soon as they switch on Ta' Pinu kiosk moved to car park and slated for approval A controversial kiosk proposed near the Ta' Pinu shrine is now slated for approval after relo- cating it to a less intrusive site in the car park opposite the church. The original proposal to site the kiosk close to the shrine was objected to by the Għarb local council because it would have obstructed views of the church. The Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage, which back in June had described the original location as inappropriate for the installation of a kiosk, has now endorsed the new location. Nonetheless, it insisted that its clearance is strictly limited to a mobile kiosk, "and not for oth- er furnishings or installations at the new proposed location." A case officer is also recom- mending approval, noting that Ta' Pinu is the "only sizeable sanctuary in the Maltese is- lands which is not surround- ed by a settlement," and that "kiosks can provide a valuable service to the general public in offering services which are not being adequately catered for in the surrounding area." The 15sq.m kiosk will be 2.5 metres high and will be cov- ered with a matt vinyl wrap and timber cladding. The matt vinyl and timber will help mitigate the visual impact of the kiosk, especially considering the sen- sitivity of the site. The case officer acknowl- edged that similar facilities will be available from within the vis- itors' centre of the shrine once it is completed, but for the mo- ment such provision is not ca- tered for. Hence, the proposed location is deemed acceptable. In the new location, the kiosk will occupy four parking spac- es. However, environmental group Għawdix is still objecting to the kiosk, warning that in- troducing a kiosk and ancillary structures into this location, even within the parking area, would "diminish the solemnity and dignity of the sanctuary, eroding both its cultural value and visual integrity." The green area marks the location of the new proposed site for the mobile kiosk, which is now slated for approval outside the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary in Gharb