ERA’s decision on the Marsaskala ferry project is unjustified and dangerous

Momentum strongly condemns the decision by the Environment and Resources Authority to exempt the proposed Marsaskala ferry landing from a full Environmental Impact Assessment as reported in the news today. After a review of the ERA screening report (EA 00025/25), Momentum is alarmed that a project with such clear ecological and social risks is being fast-tracked without adequate scrutiny.

Mark Camilleri Gambin, secretary general and election candidate for Momentum, said, “A project involving dredging works and the destruction of protected Posidonia seagrass cannot be considered insignificant. The benthic survey also confirmed the presence of other protected species, including Lesser Neptune Grass and the Giant Tun shell. Waiving a full EIA when these species are at risk is both unreasonable and environmentally irresponsible.”

An EIA is the most basic safeguard to ensure that environmental damage is properly studied, alternatives are considered, and the public is consulted. By removing this requirement, ERA is effectively allowing a project with clear ecological risks to proceed without adequate scrutiny.

Dr Matthew Agius, also a candidate for Momentum added that “Momentum also questions why no Social Impact Assessment is being required. Marsaskala Bay is a vital community space, and any project that will increase maritime activity and tourism pressure must be assessed for its impact on residents’ quality of life.

This decision raises serious concerns about a broader pattern of fragmented planning, where projects are split into smaller parts to avoid comprehensive assessment and public oversight.”

Momentum calls for:

• a full Environmental Impact Assessment,
• a comprehensive Social Impact Assessment, and
• full transparency and public consultation on the entire project.

“If the destruction of protected habitats and the introduction of heavy maritime traffic into a residential bay does not warrant a full assessment, then the system is failing,” concluded Camilleri Gambin. “Marsaskala residents and the bay’s ecosystem deserve better”.

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