ADPD-The Green Party official and candidate for Marsaskala Brian Decelis submitted the following representations to the Planning Authority regarding works at Marsaskala Bay for the introduction of a ferry.
- Objection to PA/6645/25 – Change of use from quay area below promenade to ferry landing waiting area and construction of access ramp.
- Objection to PA/6646/25 – Dredging works at Marsaskala Bay.
While waterborne transport systems may be considered as an alternative for mass transport on land whenever possible, every proposal for the introduction of such a transport service must be evaluated on its own merits. In addition to this, every single service proposed should take residents’ interests first and foremost, before any commercial interests, including those in relation to tourism.
I am submitting my objection to the planning application in the subject title taking into consideration both PA/6645/25 (ferry landing waiting area and ramp construction) and PA/6646/25 (dredging at Marsaskala Bay), since the proposed works involved in both submitted planning applications are interconnected. These proposals are deeply concerning due to their environmental, visual, social, and procedural shortcomings. I urge the Planning Authority to refuse or defer these applications until proper assessments and public consultation are conducted. The reasons for objection are as follows:
- No impact studies
No impact studies have been made available, and the financial feasibility of such a project remains unknown. The economic viability of such a service needs to be considered, especially if environmentally friendly sea vessels are used as an alternative to older vessels that are past their prime.
- Open sea operation
The fact that the proposed ferry service will operate in the open sea probably means that there will be a number of days when this will not be in operation. This will depend on sea conditions as well as the type of waterborne service being proposed. This will have an impact on the economic viability and the continuity of the proposed service. It should be queried as to whether this service would be viable, given that only a few minutes away there is a ferry service in Cospicua, which has the added benefit of operating in the Grand Harbour, which has the necessary infrastructure protecting it from bad weather.
- Increase in noise and land traffic
When one considers the site being proposed for berthing, it has to be taken into consideration that in most of Marsaskala the residential area is very close to the coast. This will undoubtedly impact the residents while sea vessels are in operation, in particular through the generation of noise, which will undoubtedly be heard during times of the day when many people are resting; in addition to this, it would be difficult for people to use private vehicles to reach the site due to the lack of parking lots available – even if a park and ride is used, this would effectively increase the traffic coming to Marsaskala. Needless to say, it is already difficult to enter or exit this locality by car. This will be made even worse than it is at present.
I therefore request that both applications be refused or deferred pending all necessary studies to assess the impact that such operations would have on the locality, in tandem with genuine consultation with residents before anything is concluded. Moreover the publication of these studies is essential so that public discussion is adequately informed thereby ensuring the best possible outcome.
