The public was geared up for a "green budget" but despite the eco tax, free energy-saving light bulbs and the incentives on bicycles, the environmentalists are far from elated.

There will be no rush to buy bicycles despite the 15 per cent refunds, according to various environmentalists who feel the real problem of road safety is what needed to be tackled.

Physicist Edward Mallia called the measure "meaningless" and argued for an overhauled public transport system and the introduction of smaller and more efficient vehicles.

Engineer and environmentalist Marco Cremona said the budget sent mixed messages. The incentives for promoting the use of motorcycles and bicycles were recommendable but, by relaxing the registration tax across the board, the import of high-powered fuel-guzzling vehicles is encouraged. He said there needs to be financial disincentives to discourage people from buying vehicles over 1,500cc.

While the new regime announced in the budget taxes mostly the biggest polluters, only cars with engines as big as 2,500cc and over will see their registration tax increase.

"This country needs a transportation master plan to tackle efficiency, emissions, congestion and public health."

He felt the bicycle measure sent out a good message about the need to cut down on emissions and promote exercise but the government could have afforded to give a higher refund that would make the measure "less of a gimmick".

On the refunds for renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters, the environmentalist agreed that while this is a positive measure it should not have been so limited.

The scheme announced in the budget will see the government fork out half the cost of photovoltaic panels, up to a maximum of €3,000. However, with a an allocation of €500,000, it is estimated that only 200 applicants will benefit.

"If the government believes in renewable energy there should not be a limit to how many people it will help invest in such systems. The more the merrier. The first-come, first-served system may leave many disappointed and will not be enough to cause a culture change," Mr Cremona said.

Prof. Mallia agreed and said "the refunds won't get you very far in terms of domestic use but, hopefully, industries will invest and this will have a bigger impact".

Although he welcomed the investments in the offshore wind farm at Is-Sikka l-Bajda, this will see "at least three or four" other budgets, while a smaller onshore farm would have had immediate results. Land required less maintenance and would result in cheaper energy, which is what matters most.

Mr Cremona argued that Malta was still far behind its EU counterparts when it comes to renewable energy generation. "Anybody installing a small renewable energy system at home will then be more aware of their consumption and will take further steps to reduce it".

He added that there were no measures to curb the misuse of water resources from illegal borehole extraction.

"€40 million worth of water is being stolen from public aquifers every year and, yet again, this budget fails to address this critical matter."

Prof. Mallia called for a national campaign to educate people on the simple measures they can take to drastically reduce their energy consumption.

Biology lecturer Alan Deidun said he was very happy with most of the environment-friendly measures, especially the huge investment in the wind farm. He was pleased with the introduction of the polluter pays principle and that there was an effort to increase use of bicycles and launch more environmental projects in light of the current economic situation.

He added however that the eco tax has become confusing throughout the years and was not communicated well to the public.

Astrid Vella of Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar was disappointed that there was no mention of funds allocated for the Mepa reform since this will be a costly exercise especially in certain understaffed and under-resourced departments.

She said that although there were substantial incentives for the installation of solar and photovoltaic panels, they needed to be backed up by planning protection in the form of solar rights to ensure that those who invest would not be shaded by new buildings in their area.

Ms Vella added that the grants for restoration of old houses were welcomed but required guidelines on best practices to avoid haphazard "restoration".

She added that the refunds on energy-efficient appliances that had been stopped was very positive and should have been reintroduced.

cperegin@timesofmalta.com