Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544145
THE Environment & Re- sources Authority (ERA) has determined that a proposed permanent ferry landing site at Marsaskala Bay does not require a full Environmen- tal Impact Assessment (EIA), concluding that, despite the loss of protected seagrass, the development is unlikely to generate significant environ- mental effects. The decision follows a screening process that as- sessed the project's impact on marine ecology, sediment quality, and compatibility with existing coastal uses. The proposal centres on up- grading an existing quay to accommodate fast ferry oper- ations proposed by Infrastruc- ture Malta. ERA considered the development relatively small in scale and located within an already urbanised coastal environment charac- terised by maritime activity, residential use, and recrea- tion. The authority concluded that the anticipated impacts can be addressed through mit- igation measures, without the need for a detailed EIA. The works involve dredging approximately 4,700 cubic metres of seabed material to reach a depth of 2.5 metres, required for safe ferry ma- noeuvring. Structural inter- ventions include reinforcing the existing quay using either a gravity wall or a pile-sup- ported structure, together with the construction of an overlying deck. Additional infrastructure will include an accessible pedestrian ramp, bollards, fenders, lighting, and passenger waiting facilities. Construction is expected to last around 12 months, sub- ject to weather and operation- al constraints. WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT €1.00 WEDNESDAY • 1 APRIL 2026 • ISSUE 984 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY Marsaskala ferry landing exempt from full environmental assessment EDITORIAL • PAGE 11 Controversial Valley Road development set for approval A decades-long planning saga on a stretch of undeveloped land along Valley Road in Msida is approach- ing a decisive moment. The Planning Authority's execu- tive council is set to decide on 14 April whether to approve a zoning application for a residential area at Ta' Fuq il-Wied. The sloping site, characterised by thick rubble walls and disused agricultural land, lies behind the Charles Grech Ltd outlet between Valley Road and Triq Indri Gri- ma in Swatar. The site was added to the development zone in 2006 with a key condition that the lower half of the site could host low-den- sity detached buildings, while the upper area was to remain largely open. Objectors argue the zoning be- ing proposed now contradicts the "low-intensity" requirements of the local plan. The application was submitted in 2017 by David Grech and covers 17,455sq.m. Grech is one of several individuals who own plots on the site. The proposal spreads 12 de- tached building blocks across both upper and lower slopes in a grid layout. CONTINUES PAGE 3 WEDNESDAY EDITION CONTINUES PAGE 2 JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Freedom Day President Myriam Spiteri Debono laying a commemorative wreath atop the Freedom Day monument in Birgu (Photo: DOI)