The Gozo Regional Development Authority has concluded the regional impact assessment related to the Gozo Regional Airfield and is recommending that the project proceed.

It explained that during this process, a number of documents were made public. In total, during the public consultation the Authority received over 70 suggestions, ideas and recommendations in relation to the proposal.

After taking into account the various studies and feedback, the Authority said it is now publishing the Outcome Statement recommending the project while suggesting some changes to maximise the net benefits of the project.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri speaking during the launch of the publication said, “I thank everyone who in any way contributed to making this proposal not only a reality, with the aim of maximising a derelict site in to a wealth of opportunity, but to do so with full respect for the island’s environment.”

Mario Borg, Chief Executive of the Gozo Regional Development Authority, gave a detailed overview of the process related to the public consultation where he carefully assessed the impact that this project could have on the economy, the environment and the social field of the island of Gozo, as well as the recommendations to improve the project as proposed. Some of the recommendations are:

that the rural aspect of the project remains central;

to further increase measures – with wise use of trees and other vegetation – in order to minimise the impact of noise that may be generated;

that the fuel deposit is not restricted to emergency use only;

that the project provides for the installation of electric charging points in order to make it easier to use electric-powered aircraft;

and that the government continues to play an active role in managing the operation of the airfield when it is completed.

“The next step is that on the recommendations of this report, the Ministry for Gozo in the coming weeks will submit an application to the Planning Authority and if permits are issued, it will follow the process of “offers so that accessibility to Gozo continues to be strengthened,”concluded Minister Camilleri.

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