There are 10 pending applications before MEPA(Malta Environment & Planning Authority) for the building or extension of fireworks factories, the Prime Minister has said in Parliament.
The applications are for:
Gharb: the reconstruction of a fireworks factory and sanctioning of existing rooms; Birzebbuga: construction of fireworks factory; Mosta: change of use of dilapidated building into a fireworks factory; Rabat Malta: construction of a fireworks factory; Mgarr, Malta: to extend fireworks factory by adding workshop ands two smal lcomposition rooms. All tooms to be connected by hardstone spalls for passages; Zurrieq: to sanction rooms in a fireworks factory as built in view of additional safety requirements required.
Rabat Malta (Xaghra ta l-Isqof) : to construct a fireworks factory; Ghaxaq: construction of three rooms within an existing factory; Rabat (Malta), proposed relocation of fireworks factory; Munxar: Proposed fireworks factory.
Dr Gonzi said permit applications were considering in the context of local plans, general policies and considerations of heath and safety, the safety of third parties, safety of nearby property, the environment and emergency access to the sites.
Malta, he pointed out, has a very high density of fireworks factories as a proportion of its territory.