Media Statements

06 Mar 2014

Delimara Decision scheduled for 24 March on location of gas storage tanker at Delimara is premature says DLH: risk analysis is incomplete

Press Release 5th March 2014 Din l-Art Helwa is concerned that options for the possible locations of the new gas storage tanker at Delimara have not all been assessed in detail. In a long-term project of major national importance, it is expected that all options are seriously assessed but this has not been done. In the race to meet deadlines, the planning authority is now ready to accept the location of...

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23 Feb 2014

Din l-Art Helwa’s environment task list to government

Din l-Art Helwa has drawn up an action list of environmental tasks for government which the organization considers are urgent for the protection of Malta’s land and marine spaces in view of the many development policies and regulations impacting upon territory which the government intends updating or launching. The tasks have been listed following recommendations made during the General Assembly of...

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05 Feb 2014

Risk Analysis for Delimara power station must be completed before permit is granted

Press Release 5th February 2014 Din l-Art Helwa has noted comments by Enemalta reported in the press, indicating that the Risk Analysis for the new gas-fired power station will be completed in the environmental permit (IPPC) phase, after the development permit is granted. Din l-Art Helwa insists that the Risk Analysis must be completed before the development permit, which will decide the...

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01 Feb 2014

Even more onus now on Mepa to delay policy approvals while SPED is being finalised, says Din l-Art Helwa

Press Release, 1st February 2014 Heritage NGO Din l-Art Helwa has called into serious question the recent decision by Mepa’s Board to approve the new Out of Development Zone policy when the new national Strategic plan for Environment and Development (SPED) is just weeks away from being concluded.  Din l-Art Helwa has also asked the Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Development...

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30 Jan 2014

Din l-Art Helwa critical of MEPA’s approval of ODZ policy only days before parliamentary discussion on planning procedures takes place/ NGO asks for new development regulations to be put on hold

Press Release 30 January 2014 Din l-Art Helwa has called into serious question the decision by Mepa’s Board to approve the new ODZ policy only days before a discussion on procedures governing the launch of new planning regulations in the absence of a new Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED).  This was about to commence on 29th January 2014...

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06 Dec 2013

New ODZ policy will encourage more construction in an information vacuum

Press Release 6th December 2013 Din l-Art Helwa has submitted its comments on the Draft ODZ policy and design guidance which was issued for public consultation by MEPA. Din l-Art Helwa notes that this important planning document has been put forward in an information vacuum, without any supporting studies and assessments. This is an example of piecemeal planning without any strategic or long-term...

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04 Dec 2013

Rejection of Commissioner’s findings indicates that government has no intention of protecting the environment

Press Release 4th December 2013 Din l-Art Helwa has expressed its disappointment at the outright rejection by Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Dr Michael Farrugia of the report of the Commissioner for Environment and Planning following his investigation into the procedures that led to the granting of permits for the redevelopment of Mistra Village.   The Commissioner found that the NGO was justified when it instigated its request to revoke the planning decisions by Mepa that are...

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02 Dec 2013

Revocation of Mistra permit is justified says Environment and Planning Commissioner

Press Release 2nd December 2013 The Final Report by the Environment and Planning Commissioner in the Office of the Ombudsman on the investigation into the granting of development permits by MEPA for a high rise complex at MistraVillage has found the revocation of the permits to be justified.  The investigation was requested by Din l-Art Helwa when the organisation invoked Article 77...

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