Momentum executive member Matthew Agius has filed a formal request with the Office of the Ombudsman's Commissioner for Environment and Planning, calling for an independent inquiry into the handling of an illegal development on public coastal land at Armier. 

The development, situated near a protected Natura 2000 site, has drawn significant criticism for the perceived failure of authorities to stop construction despite the issuance of an enforcement notice.

Although the Planning Authority issued Enforcement Notice EC/00071/26 and demolition works commenced on 16 June, the operation halted after only one day. Subsequent inspections by the Malta Ranger Unit in July revealed that the structure remains largely intact. 

Agius is now seeking a thorough investigation to determine if the Planning Authority and the Lands Authority acted with necessary urgency and coordination. 

Key areas of the requested inquiry include whether enforcement mechanisms were fully utilized, why demolition ceased prematurely, whether daily fines are being collected, and if the matter was properly referred to the Malta Police Force for criminal investigation.

Agius emphasised that the case underscores significant concerns regarding the efficacy of public institutions in safeguarding public land and upholding planning regulations against deliberate illegal acts.