Zammit Dimech raises Central Link Project controversy with European Commission

Government should listen to concerns of residents, farmers and cyclists

The government should not bulldoze over residents, farmers, producers and cyclists and carry on with the Central Link Project disregarding the several concerns raised. This goes against the spirit of EU funding which will be used in the project. MEP Francis Zammit Dimech made these remarks after tabling a question with the European Commission to voice the concern of residents, farmers, producers and cyclists.

Zammit Dimech argued that stakeholders such as residents who live in relevant roads, farmers and producers who have terrain next to such roads and cyclists have raised various concerns on the project. This is because noise due to traffic and resulting emissions will be brought closer to their homes, extensive stretches of agricultural terrain will be taken over by roads and safety of cyclists has been questioned. Furthermore, no social impact assessment or traffic impact assessment has been made.

Zammit Dimech added that stakeholders claimed that they have not been consulted. Concerns outlined by Zammit Dimech echoes those listed in two letters sent by the Attard Residents Environmental Network (AREN) to Commissioner for Regional Policy – Corina Cretu and the Prime Minister of Malta today.  

Zammit Dimech questioned if the way the project is being proposed reflects the spirit of the priorities of the cohesion fund which investment priorities include preserving and protecting the environment, protecting and restoring soil and measures to improve environmentally-friendly (including low-noise) transport systems.

Zammit Dimech also questioned if the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan promoted by the Commission was being respected. Zammit Dimech added that he will be the voice of residents, farmers and cyclists at the European Parliament.