Whilst addressing a press conference at the Mtarfa Woodland, Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds Dr Ian Borg announced that works on the recreational park are nearing completion and that Mtarfa as well as nearby residents will soon start benefiting from it.

"Conservation works on this woodland will see the whole place become even more accessible for families.  This was made possible thanks to an allocation to the Mtarfa Local Council of around €270,000 under the LEADER Programme under the European Agricultural Fund For Rural Development (EAFRD) 2007-13", Dr Borg explained.

Parliamentary Secretary Borg said that one of the main objectives of such a project was to restore this woodland back to its natural beauty whilst giving tourists and passers-by the opportunity to enjoy the nice views.  This woodland, will also be availing from use of Wi-Fi.

The Parliamentary Secretary also announced that as from 1st June 2015, a fresh call for proposals under the LIFE Programme will also be made available. With regards to environmental measures, Dr Borg explained that around €12 million will be up for grabs and he encouraged NGOs, public and even private entities and all those with environmental issues close to heart to step forward and benefit from this centralised fund.  The call will remain open until 1st October 2015.

Mtarfa mayor Mr Daniel Attard was also present and expressed his satisfaction that this was a project that was finally at a very advanced stage.  This was a project for all Mtarfa and nearby residents, he said, who will now be benefiting from recreational facilities just like other residents in other towns.