‘Nothing was done in secret’ – Aaron Farrugia on Balluta Bay works

A Variation of Permit was granted to the applicant carrying out works at Balluta Bay in a legal way and nothing was done in secret, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia said.

He was replying to a parliamentary question by PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo. Earlier this month, activists blocked works on a controversial new pontoon in Balluta Bay to be used by a hop-on hopoff ferry service operated by Captain Morgan, which forms part of the Fortina group.

Fortina later agreed to suspend works in Balluta Bay pending discussions with the St Julian’s Local Council, residents and activists.

The Minister said that he is informed that the works on Balluta Bay are subject to permit EP1108/21. This permit stipulated, inter alia, that the works be carried out in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Management Regulations deriving from the Health Act, he remarked.

“The interruption of works by the Environment and Resources Authority was done because they were being carried out in the swimming season as defined in the same regulations. It turns out that, after the works were stopped, the applicant submitted an application for the

Variation of the Permit which included a clearance from the Directorate of Environmental Health so that the works could be continued,” he said.

“It was in this context that a change in the permit conditions was approved. All this was done according to the established procedures of the Authority and there was no concealment.”

This project was given the green light by both the Planning Authority and the Environment and Resources Authority, despite opposition by the council and NGOs, who say that no jetty should be built within the swimming zone.