Manoel Island belongs to the people, not to private commercial interests

Momentum condemns the Planning Authority’s decision to sanction the illegal padel courts on Manoel Island and approve their expansion. This latest decision flies in the face of the Government’s repeated promises that the island would be transformed into a national park for everyone.

Once again, the Maltese public is ending up on the losing side of a government deal.

First, Manoel Island was handed over under a concession in 1999 that ultimately failed to deliver on the public interest. The Government has now spent around €43 million of taxpayers’ money to regain control of the island, following years of public pressure and campaigning by civil society.

Now, before any comprehensive masterplan has been finalised, we are witnessing yet another appropriation of public land for private commercial operations. These are not public sports facilities that are freely accessible to families, children and residents.

Moreover, the €25,000 planning gain contribution imposed by the Planning Authority is insignificant when compared to the commercial value of the operation and the strategic importance of the site. It does not compensate the public for the loss of open space or for the damaging precedent being created.

Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said: “If taxpayers spent €43 million to recover Manoel Island for the public, why is public land once again being made available for private commercial exploitation? The expectation was clear. Manoel Island was meant to become a genuine public open space that everyone could enjoy, not another opportunity for private commercial gain.”

Cassola added: “The Planning Authority’s decision once again sends the wrong message by rewarding illegal development. The ‘build first, sanction later’ culture continues to undermine public confidence in Malta’s planning system and creates the impression that planning rules are optional for those with the right connections.”

Momentum believes that Manoel Island should be planned in the public interest through a transparent and participatory process before any further commercial development is considered. The Government should immediately publish all agreements relating to the site and clarify under what legal arrangements this commercial activity is being permitted on public land.

The Maltese people have already paid once when Manoel Island was privatised. They have paid again to bring it back into public ownership. They should not now be asked to watch as parts of their island are gradually reserved for commercial interests instead of being enjoyed as the national park they were promised.

Manoel Island belongs to the people of Malta. It must remain a public space that is accessible, protected and enjoyed by present and future generations, not a place where private commercial interests are allowed to take precedence over the public good.

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