I refer to the report carried on a press release issued by Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, FAA.

The NGO acknowledges that the information is freely available. Mepa publishes applications of projects on two newspapers, on the website and sends copies of the applications to the local councils. Other NGOs regularly scan these applications and frequently request information about them.

Facts on applications are evaluated in the case officers’ reports which are available on the website and at the Mepa front desk. The law regulates what may be viewed by the public from a file. If an item is requested under LN 116/05 (commonly referred to as “Aarhus”), the procedure is described in the legal notice and the written requests will be assessed accordingly.

The application of the former Ulysses Lodge was in the public domain. No fewer than 25 items in various sections of the press appeared about it. The local council had been informed.

Mepa has always made it clear that the audit officer’s reports are in the latter’s jurisdiction to disseminate or otherwise as he deems fit. This is not a decision for the authority to take.

The plans submitted and available for public viewing are according to the accepted architectural standards and scales. A scale rule is provided for those wishing to measure the different lengths in plans. The Project Description Statement was and is still available on request.

The archaeologist’s report in no way indicates it was preliminary. The archaeological studies were based on extensive field surveys and archival research and found no archaeological features in the area to be developed close to Calypso Cave. As a mitigation measure, the report recommended the setting up of a heritage trail.

Sylvana DeBono

Public Relations Officer

Floriana