Heritage Malta refers to media reports that “the Labour Party has criticised the Government for not protecting the Tarxien Temples and ignoring advice to build a shelter to protect the heritage site from harsh weather conditions.”
While welcoming the support of the Labour Party for the protective strategy that is being adopted, Heritage Malta would like to make some factual clarifications for the sake of accuracy.
During its meeting of the 17th of August 2007, the Scientific Committee for the Conservation of the Megalithic Temples concluded that a protective shelter should be installed over the Tarxien Temples. Heritage Malta submitted an application for 2.2 million euros of ERDF Structural Funds for this purpose and related works on 7 September 2007. This application has had the full and continuous support and endorsement of both the ministries that have been responsible for culture since that date.
The allocation of these funds was confirmed very recently, as announced by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and by the Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism.