Lands cannot find paperwork about db Group, Momentum claims
Political party reports authority to Data Protection Commissioner following FOI delays
The Lands Authority has told Momentum it cannot find any contracts, ownership agreements or concessions covering a stretch of St George’s Bay being developed by db Group.
Momentum said the authority has been searching for the documents since December and has asked for more time to reply to its Freedom of Information request.
The parcel of land along the coastline is being excavated and boathouses lying along it demolished, with db Group intending to turn it into a swimming pool and beach deck as part of its massive St George's Bay project, Momentum noted.
Momentum executive member Matthew Agius claimed the failure to trace paperwork suggested “documentation does not exist” and accused the authorities of allowing public land to be taken over without scrutiny.
He said photos and videos showed the area had been cordoned off and works had begun while the request was still pending.
The FOI request, filed in December, sought paperwork concerning any title or concession over the site, minutes of Lands Authority board meetings discussing it, applications and receipts of payments, any permissions sought to apply for development, valuations, details of any compensation to previous occupiers, and any tenders or bids connected to the area.
Momentum said it has now written to the Data Protection Commissioner about the issue. It also accused both main political parties of staying silent because of their "connection" with db Group.
The site sits alongside db Group’s wider St George’s Bay development. A planning application for the coastal area works describes the demolition of existing boathouse structures and the construction of a pool and deck, including excavation.
Momentum has previously argued that the coastline involved is public foreshore and should not be disturbed without full transparency and legal clarity.
The dispute is unfolding as db Group presses ahead with the gargantuan project that will see it develop high-end apartments, a hotel and retail outlets at St George's Bay.
The company recently got Planning Authority approval to add additional floors to two residential towers at the site. Objectors, residents and groups have also moved ahead with an appeal after crowdfunding to cover costs.
db rival Corinthia subsequently also obtained PA approval to extend its St George's Bay hotels upwards. Activists and residents have not said if they will also be appealing that decision.