Gate blocking public access to Fomm ir-Rih Bay has been removed

A gate that blocked access to Fomm ir- Rih Bay has been removed, the planning ministry said.

Environmentalists fumed on Thursday after photos of the new gate were posted on social media.

The gate is plastered with signs which say that the area is private property and that it is dangerous.

Public access to Fomm irRih – which recently saw a slope collapse rendering it somewhat dangerous for people – has long been a bone of contention, because the area is part of an estate which includes a villa on the cliffs above. It was only after several protests that the landowner constructed a path down to the beach.

In comments to this newspaper, the ministry said that the area has been privately owned for decades. It said it was informed that the gate had been installed due to danger in the area but has since been removed and a formal application will be filed with the Planning Authority.

The ministry said it is working on reaching an agreement with the owner so that the public can eventually be given adequate access to the foreshore while respecting the right to private property.

The discovery of the gate was originally made by environmentalist Raniero Borg, who is well- known for the organisation of clean- ups across the island. “I went for my usual walk to check on the beach at Fomm ir- Rih, Mgarr/ Rabat and I was unable to assess the only road to the beach due to this gate. Why is it closed? Why are we unable to walk down to the beach? All walkers and trekkers who enjoy walking in the countryside are unable to now”, the post had read.