“MEPA decision will not stop process in the European Parliament, safety must come first.” – MEP Roberta Metsola
The EPP Group in the European Parliament has just released the following.
Roberta Metsola, Maltese Member of the European Parliament stated that the MEPA decision to allow the Government to berth a massive gas storage tanker in the middle of Marsaxlokk Bay will not halt the process which is examining the safety elements and provisions of the EU’s Seveso Directive vis-à-vis this project, in the European Parliament.
“I have led the petition in the European Parliament urging the European Commission to investigate the risk to the public’s safety by the Government’s plans to berth a floating liquefied gas storage unit close to shore. This process will continue despite the flawed decision reached by MEPA in support of the Government”, said Dr Metsola.
“While the result of the MEPA hearing came as no surprise, it showed clearly that there are still too many unanswered questions and too many unstudied risks. The hearing showed that there has been no full maritime impact assessment and there has been no final risk study carried out. It has done nothing to alleviate legitimate fears of residents in the vicinity. What it has done is that it has showed this Government’s true colours. The Prime Minister sent a letter to MEPA before the hearing informing them that irrespective of any possible appeal the Government will ignore all opposition and steamroll ahead,” added Dr Metsola.
“Over the past weeks I have met with many concerned citizens of the towns and villages that are most affected by this proposed project and they cannot understand why these unnecessary risks are being taken in this manner. In contrast, other EU Member States with similar projects, such as those off the Italian ports of Livorno and Ancona, have ensured that safety is paramount and that the legitimate concerns of residents were addressed by stationing the depot a safe distance away from them, with proper security zones around the vessel. None of the above safety provisions are envisaged in this project.”
After the petition was presented to the European Parliament by Dr Metsola, it will now be considered by the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee. Dr Metsola sits on the Committee.
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There are clear analogies between the Labour Party and a conman. A conman’s success relies on gaining trust from the people who are susceptible to his ploys. Once the culprit gets to a position of trust he can hit out at his victims with them suspecting the damage they are suffering.
If there was an incident which destroyed the power station, would we have to have electric rationing from the interconnector until the plant is rebuilt?
No, then we will have J Dalli BA’s power station.
If there were an accident which destroyed the power station the island would come to a complete stand still until such time as a new power station is up and running.
You can just about survive in a house with no electricity ….. but businesses couldn’t function. Businesses would either close down or leave the island. It would be economic meltdown. What happens then?
True the chances of such a accident are propably extremely slight …… I grant you that, but the consequences are so horrendous they do have to be considered very, very seriously.
Look at Cyprus, the unthinkable happened and the result was devastating
Well, this one gets my vote.
The real jewel of truth here is this pithy phrase: “…the result of the MEPA hearing came as no surprise.”
Kemm hi xewwiexa dil-Metsola, ghadha kemm lahqet, kollha xorta n-Nazzjonalisti, jew imexxu huma jew itellfu.
Brava, Roberta. And for THAT shoddy lot, it’s her that is betraying her country – not this disgusting Labour government.
When is the EPPC expected to discuss this thorny issue?
Malta’s Iron Lady -Roberta!