ADPD has condemned the scheme to build a 136m-long concrete pier at the Blue Lagoon, accusing the government of commercialising Comino to the detriment of the environment.

The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has strongly objected to the project, warning that the proposed pier, fronted by Transport Malta, “will reduce this iconic location of picturesque natural beauty to a poolside lido.”

ADPD leader Carmel Cacopardo challenged the Environment and Resources Authority and Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia to “speak up.”

“Despite being shelved two years ago, this project is back on the agenda. ADPD questions the government's commitment to a "wellbeing first vision" when it continues to trample over nature and our natural heritage," Cacopardo said.

ADPD said it is adamant that Comino, a Natura 2000 site, is well managed.

“There can be no such thing as a 'balance' between development and nature in Comino, when so-called 'balance' merely means building up Comino and commercialising it until it has been squeezed dry for private profit. Achieving sustainability in Comino should mean limiting tourist numbers and rehabilitating the land according to good conservation practices.”

The party – a merger between AD and Partit Demokratiku – called on the public and NGOs to continue rallying together against the encroachment and destruction of Malta's third island.

“Once something is gone when it comes to heritage or environment, then it is gone for good,” it said.

ADPD said it “will continue to speak out whenever the common good is threatened by speculation and backroom deals and will continue to oppose sinister backroom deals which undermine all the good work done by those who truly work for a better tomorrow, whether they are in the public or the private sector.”

Comino must not be sacrificed for the benefit of a few, it continued.

“Comino is yet another victim of Maltese governments' hypocrisy - while paying lip service to wellbeing they consistently destroyed open spaces under one pretext or another - from the infamous 2006 extension of the development zones to the giving away of public land to private interests and strong lobbies today.”