The 18th Century Chapel dedicated to St Francis of Paola in Qormi was inaugurated last week after restoration works which cost over €68,000 were completed. The project which was carried out by the Qormi Local Council was funded by the Planning Authority as part of its Environment Initiative Partnership Programme (EIPP).
During the inauguration of the Project, the Mayor of Qormi, Rosianne Cutajar stated that “Although the chapel does not fall directly under the Local Council’s responsibility and the Local Council has the local heritage at heart, there was a dire need to intervene to conserve one of the most prominent historical buildings in our city. This intervention was possible thanks to the funds made available from the Planning Authority under the EIPP scheme.”
Planning Authority Board Chairman Perit Vincent Cassar said “through the Authority’s EIPP fund we encourage and support initiatives which enhance and protect our Islands’ cultural heritage. The initiative taken by the Qormi Local Council to restore and conserve an important historical landmark in the heart of their village should serve as a template for other localities to take on similar projects to enrich the quality of life in their neighbourhoods.”
Due to various ageing characteristics and set in a highly exposed environment, the Chapel building underwent several restoration works included cleaning, application of biocide, replacement of severely damaged masonry elements and stone repair.
The church of St. Francis of Paola was built in 1707 on the design of local architect Indrì Psaila. The plan of the chapel is centralised having one altar and topped by a cupola that acts as the main lighting source of the building.
The monies, which the Planning Authority granted to support this project, came from the EIPP fund which was initiated by the Authority in 2001. The aim of the EIPP is to enhance and protect Malta's natural environment and cultural heritage using funds secured through what is known as 'Planning Gain'. Planning Gain is often sought by the Authority as a means of social, environmental and economic benefits to the community as a compensation for impacts that may result from a particular development, which impacts cannot be reasonably mitigated.