The proposal by the Minister for Transport to link Marsaskala to a sea transport network is worth considering. It could make sense as part of a well thought out transport master plan. As a stand-alone initiative, however, it makes little or no sense. We do not need isolated interventions but well thought out plans identifying solutions compatible with acceptable policy.
The desired approach is quite different from the manner in which the matter is being tackled by the minister. We need an efficient regional transport network which, as yet, we do not have: sea transport could be an important element of such a plan. The primary objective being, the reduction of cars from our roads and reducing traffic congestion without introducing additional problems in a vibrant community.
The Marsaskala mayor is on record stating that the proposed Marsaskala sea link will reduce traffic congestion. Until such time that this statement is substantiated by studies, it is just wishful thinking. So far, no studies have seen the light of day. All we know to date is that geological studies are under way. While these geological studies will provide information essential to the design of the proposed sea terminal, we require more basic studies.
The first study required is to identify the realistic possibilities: the possible routes being considered together with the sea vessels that could be used and whether these would offer a round-the-year service or otherwise. This would help identify the viability of the service being considered. It could also indicate whether initiatives to better utilize the sea transport based in Cospicua could be a better option than sea transport departing from Marsaskala.
The second study required is to identify those for whom the service is planned. Is the service planned for Marsaskala residents or is it planned for use by residents in the area around Marsaskala? If the service is intended for tourists, the commercialization of Marsaskala will come into play and the impacts on the residential community need to be thoroughly assessed.
How will passengers arrive at the proposed sea terminal? Will they arrive in their own transport or will they be provided by a public transport service? Providing an efficient local and/or regional public transport would have a beneficial effect in reducing traffic and potentially car usage. However, having to provide additional parking would be problematic for the locality and its residents.
As with most localities Marsaskala cannot reasonably accommodate more cars. Generating additional traffic by those seeking to use the proposed sea transport would make a bad situation worse than it already is. This also contradicts the Marsaskala mayor's wishful thinking of reducing traffic congestion in the locality.
In addition to all this, any serious transport master plan would have to consider the existing uses of the Marsaskala Bay which would necessarily overlap with the sea passenger service being proposed. To what extent will the proposed sea transport service interfere with and possibly disrupt existing uses, notably swimming as well as the mooring of small seacraft including those used by fishermen?
One would also need to consider the impacts which the proposed sea transport could have on il-Magħluq, the protected Natura 2000 inland sea area.
Impacts on air quality will be dependent on the method of operation, in particular whether the service is electrically driven or else whether it is run on fossil fuels. Noise impacts would vary depending on operating times.
There are answers to all these questions and comments. These are answers which need to be identified clearly and the resulting issues properly addressed, if this is possible. This is what planning is all about.
A serious transport master plan, whether regional or local, would undoubtedly consider all options, including sea transport. It would, however, also consider the welfare of the residential community it seeks to serve as its top priority. At the end of the day, it may most probably result that, when all is considered, there are better solutions that those being considered by the Hon Minister.
Maybe the Hon Minister would consider listening a little bit before proceeding with his plans. This is basic. Serious public consultation is what this is all about.
An architect and civil engineer, the author is a former Chairperson of ADPD-The Green Party in Malta. [email protected] , http://carmelcacopardo.wordpress.com