The Momentum political party on Monday accused the authorities of refusing to release information about the gravel spread in the picnic area of Ta' Qali National Park.

Momentum said it had submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request on September 4, seeking detailed documentation about what it described as an "environmental disaster." After receiving no reply, the party sent a reminder on October 14, noting that the legal response period under the FOI Act had already expired.

On October 28, Momentum referred the case to the Information and Data Protection Commissioner, who confirmed that he would investigate the matter and ensure that the public authority complied with its obligations.

The party said it is requesting all documents, reports, and correspondence explaining the reasoning behind the gravel works, including any reports from or to the Environmental Resources Authority and any Environmental Impact Assessments or similar evaluations. It also asked for information on the project's financial and contractual details, the source of the gravel, and the person or entity who authorised the final decision.

Momentum's General Secretary, Mark Camilleri Gambin, claimed that thousands of euros were spent on what he called a "disaster," saying the gravel destroyed the vegetation in the park and made the area unsafe for children.

"The truth must come out, and this green space must be restored," Momentum said, accusing park head Jason Micallef of operating under a "code of silence."

The Ta' Qali park management recently faced widespread criticism on social media after grass failed to grow back in the picnic area, even though it returned elsewhere following the October rains.

Micallef previously defended the gravel installation, saying it was a type commonly used in parks abroad to prevent dry soil from turning to dust during the summer. He insisted that the gravel would not stop grass from regrowing during the winter months.