On 19 January 2026 the Environment & Resources Authority (‘ERA’) has submitted its response to the Planning Authority (‘PA’) which is assessing the Wied iż-Żurrieq refurbishment and construction project.
The current area used for kitting up and parking for diving the reef and nearby wreck of the Um-el-Faroud is planned to be developed for constructing underground facilities for users and operators of the boat tours to Blue Grotto and nearby cliffs, as well as fishermen. Part of the area above the new facilities will be organised for diver parking and kitting area, and the quay and access staircase refurbished.
In ERA’s screening assessment, which is provided below in document 116a (freely downloadable from PA’s website) goes into the merits of the development, including excavations, construction and refurbishing works. TIming-wise, works are to be carried out in winter period to minimise disruption in phased sequences.
ERA stated that the increased height from current levels will not be of major visual significance, but the south-facing boundary wall will be and hence it requires a visual showing proposed interventions. Here one may comment that the proposed plans do not indicate any significant change to this seawall so we’re unsure what ERA expects.
ERA notes that appropriate mitigation measures must be applied for potential construction phase impacts (dust, noise, vibrations), but especially with stopping material from ending up in the sea.
In conclusion it does not object to the project, subject to the conditions as stated within document 116b being adhered to, and no changes to the development proposal as presented.
In view of ERA’s reply having been filed, we soon expect the PA case officer to submit the case officers’ report, an important step in the process, through which we will have further knowledge of where the project decision will be probably heading to.
In the meantime, our communication to the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for the Public Works Department (applicant for the intended works), his communication officers and the Malta Tourism Authority highlighting the lack of updates to concerns and discussions raised by the diving community back in October 2024, sent on 7 November 2025, has remained unanswered. The Professional Diving Schools Association had also remarked in response that it was not updated on the project’s status.
Copies of ERA’s reponse are attached below