Kirkop plant raised in Euro parliament

The Greens-EFA Group have tabled a parliamentary question in the European Parliament on the Multigas Ltd issue after being approached by Kirkop mayor Mario Salerno.

Multigas Ltd is the main industrial and medical gas producer and distributor in Malta. Currently the company is moving the activities from the existing plant at Hamrun to a new production plant in Kirkop, a distance of 70 metres from houses and dwellings.

The new plant will also be used for the storage of gas cylinders, acetylene and ammonia. The company obtained a permit from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, based on an Environmental Planning Statement (EPS).

Green MEP Alexander De Roo, vice-president of the EP Environment Committee, tabled five questions regarding the new production plant.

De Roo asked if "the European Commission considers an EPS as the equivalent of an Environmental Impact Assessment, as defined in EU regulation" and if the distance between the Multigas plant and the houses of Kirkop was too short.

The parliamentary question also dealt with risk evaluation and risk assessment, noise pollution and transport of gasses at the new Kirkop Plant.