The MIDI consortium has that there was an element of bias in an Environmental Impact Assessment related to the Manoel Island project.

Last week, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar and Inhobbu l-Gzira said they welcomed welcomed the PA appeals tribunal's decision that MIDI is to prepare a new Environment Impact Assessment regarding its Manoel Island project "due to the conflict of interest of one of the consultants involved."

They said the decision "reflects very poorly on MIDI."

In a right of reply, MIDI said the NGOs' recent commentary "is full of rhetoric and is solely aimed at misguiding the public."

"MIDI denies that there ever was an element of bias in the report prepared by Perit Edward Said, a leading expert in cultural heritage. As a professional, Perit Said's integrity is beyond reproach. He is an authority on issues of cultural heritage, so much so, that the FAA has often sought his expert advice on heritage matters. In addition, the FAA's argument that the Cultural Heritage report was material to the decision by the Planning Board is unfounded. In so far as heritage preservation matters are concerned, the Planning Authority did not rely on the report prepared by Perit Said. In fact the Development Permit Application Report refers exclusively to the assessment made by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, the statutory consultee on matters of Cultural Heritage.

Furthermore, MIDI categorically refutes the FAA's claim that the decision of the Tribunal reflects very poorly on MIDI. The Company has a proven track record when it comes to preserving buildings and structures which are of cultural heritage importance and to date MIDI has undertaken restoration and conservation works at Tigne Point and Manoel Island at a total cost of €20.6 million, by far the largest investment ever undertaken by a private entity. At Manoel Island, works include the restoration of Fort Manoel as acknowledged by the FAA, the restoration of the external walls of the Cattle Shed and the restoration of St. George's Chapel and at Tigne Point MIDI has restored Fort Tigne and the Garden Battery. In fact earlier this year, MIDI's restoration of The Garden Battery was recognized for its outstanding restoration works during the 14th edition of the Architectural Heritage Awards, organized by local culture and heritage NGO, Din l-Art Helwa.

Finally, MIDI acknowledges the Tribunal's decision that, in the preparation of the studies relating to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), any impression howsoever remote of any bias must necessarily be avoided. As directed by the Tribunal the Outline Planning Application process for the development of Manoel Island will resume at the stage immediately before submission of an EIA. MIDI remains fully committed to the development of Manoel Island and will ensure that the decision of the Tribunal is implemented without delay."