Consultation Description
The GRDA is launching a public consultation process as part of the Regional Impact Assessment. A non-technical guide to the Regional Impact Assessment can be downloaded from here.
The Ministry for Gozo, as the proponent of the project, will be embarking on this infrastructural project to upgrade the existing Gozo Heliport in Ta’ Lambert, Xewkija. The objectives of the project are:
- Continue addressing Gozo’s double insularity by adding additional avenue of accessibility;
- Attract foreign investment, diversify the economy and create job opportunities;
- Promote Gozo as a distinct destination and attract quality tourism;
- Provide additional inter-island connectivity service and connect Gozo directly with other regions, and
- Leverage on the availability of European Structural and Investment Funds.
The project envisages the extension of the existing runway (which is currently 174m long) by a further 271-metres, to reach a total length of 445-metres (by 20-metres wide), including a safety area of 30-metres on each side (at each end) of the airstrip. The envisaged upgrades are planned predominately within the airfield-designated territory. Currently the heliport is only used in cases of emergency by the air ambulance helicopter.
The proposed airfield will enable the introduction of an inter-island service between Gozo and Malta International Airport (MIA). The runway dimensions preclude the operation of medium and large-sized aircraft, hence the airfield will cater only short take-off and landing fixed-wing aircraft
Target Audience
The General Public is invited to give its view after viewing the material and documentation provided.
Contributions are particularly sought from: –
- National competent authorities active in the area
- Local Councils
- NGOs
Public Engagement Events
The GRDA is committed to engaging in open and transparent process with stakeholders. As part of the Regional Impact Assessment (RIA) framework, the GRDA intends to provide all the facts, supported by documentation, to enable stakeholders to provide their informed views on this investment and strategic infrastructural project in Gozo.
As part of the RIA, two public meetings will be held on the following dates:
Meeting 1 – English speaking: Thursday, 19th May 2022, from 1700hrs till 1900hrs, Conference Hall, Gozo Innovation Hub, Xewkija
Meeting 2 – Maltese speaking: Friday, 20th May 2022, from 1700hrs till 1900hrs, Conference Hall, Gozo Innovation Hub, Xewkija
Booking is required on info@grda.mt
Written contributions are to be submitted to the Gozo Regional Development Authority on: consultations.grda@grda.mt