Court of Appeal accepts Marsascala Shops Association Appeal on fishfarms
The Marsascala Shops Association is satisfied that the Court of Appeal has accepted the Association’s appeal. This Appeal clearly shows that the Association was right. The Association will continue working to ensure the protection of Marsascala and once again will try to work hand in hand with the Authorities, even those which have ignored its statements in this case.
MEPA had rejected appeals lodged by the Marsascala local council and the Marsascala Shops Association against the relocation of a fish farm to a site 6 km off the locality’s coast, noting that objections could only be registered in the 15 days following the publication of a development notice.
The Court of Appeal, however, observed that the original notice had stated that the development site was taking place 6 km off Xrobb l-Ghagin in Marsaxlokk, and that the objectors would not be aware that it would be affecting Marsascala.
The actual site is 6 km off Zonqor Point in Marsascala, distinct from the Xrobb l-Ghagin zone.
Additionally, the original application stated that the fish farms would handle 5,000 tonnes of tuna annually, but this was changed to 9,000 tonnes.
The Court therefore ruled that the development notice was invalid, and asked MEPA to reconsider the objections.
The ruling was welcomed by the Marsascala Shops Association, which stated that the locality had potential as a tourist destination and that this should not be hindered by rash decisions as in the case of the fish farms.
The Association is also satisfied with the project proposed by the Ministry of Infrastructure although there are some points with which it doesn’t necessarily agree.
The Association encourages the Government to proceed with the promise made by the Prime Minister involving the development of a Yacht Marina whilst protecting the particular landscaping of Marsascala.
