𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝟮 – 𝟭𝟴.𝟬𝟯.𝟮𝟱
𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞’𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
In line with our commitment to transparency and public accountability, the St Julian’s Local Council is releasing a detailed cost breakdown for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebration. The total expenditure amounted to €26,390.45, partially offset by €15,100 in permit fees, leaving a remaining balance of €11,290.45. The remaining balance was covered by the Malta Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism.
The permit fees are as follows:
Licensed premises’ in St Julian’s (bars, restaurants etc) – €500
Non-Governmental Organizations – €100
Below is an itemized summary of the principal costs:
• Ambulance (2 ambulances & motorbike) – €973.50
• Fire Engine (truck & quad bike) – €973.50
• Mobile Toilets (with cleaning) – €1,500.00
• Wardens (LESA) – €9,605.00
• Police – €7,181.93
• Bank Charges – €4.00
• Bins (75 units provided by the Region) – Free of charge
• Cleansing & Maintenance – €6,152.52
Total: €26,390.45
Permits Issued: €15,100.00
Remaining Balance: €11,290.45 (covered by MTA)
Cost incurred by Local Council: €0
As previously clarified, the St Julian’s Local Council did not organize the event itself. Rather, our role was to coordinate and mitigate the impact on residents by overseeing permits, regulating the number of bars and stalls, and ensuring public safety measures were in place. The above costs reflect the essential services and logistical requirements necessary to uphold safety standards and maintain order throughout the festivities.
We remain committed to working alongside residents, authorities, and local businesses to ensure that community events are responsibly managed.
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𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝟭 – 𝟭𝟴.𝟬𝟯.𝟮𝟱
𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞’𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
The St Julian’s Local Council would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the coordination and efforts done and thank all the involved authorities during this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
It is important to clarify that the role of the St Julian’s Local Council is not in organizing the festivities but to mitigate their impact on residents through strategic stakeholder coordination.
The permits issued are designed to collect a payment to cover the cleanup costs involved, to regulate the number of bars and stalls, to maintain a comprehensive registry of all participants and equipment used, and to enable precise management of event operations including most especially enforcing the music curfew at 23:00.
If the Local Council does not do this there would be a complete free-for-all at the detriment to all residents.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank the St Julians Police Station, Ambulances and First Responders, Firefighters on standby, LESA, Transport Malta and the Clean Malta – Cleansing and Maintenance Division who’s diligent work in the early hours of Tuesday morning ensured that most streets where completely cleared out the following morning.
This year’s concurrence was the largest event of its kind in the country, surpassing previous attendance. Notably, the event maintained its exemplary safety record with no major incidents or injuries reported.
Furthermore, we note that the traffic congestions experienced and reported on yesterday were significantly intensified by extensive road closures related to the ongoing Enemalta trenching works. These, whilst necessary infrastructural projects, contributed to the amplified traffic challenges observed yesterday.
The St Julian’s Local Council remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions while fostering coordination which seeks to mitigate the inconveniences thrust onto the local community.
The St Julian’s Local Council would also like to take the opportunity to inform the general public that the event came at no cost to the local council. The permits issued to premises’ that are licensed in St Julian’s (bars, restaurants etc) are charged an administrative fee.
Meanwhile, Non Governmental Organizations are given priority locations and are subject to a significantly reduced administrative fee in order to assist in their fundraising activities for events they hold throughout the year, including also the St Julian’s feast.
The administrative fees collected are deducted from the total cost of the event’s extensive logistical bill, with the remaining difference covered by the Malta Tourism Authority.
A following Press Release will include the events total costings.
We conclude by extending our sincere solidarity to the residents, who always remain our core priority, who faced many disruptions and inconveniences yesterday. As a Local Council we remain committed in our priority in mitigating the impacts of this event on residents.
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PRESS RELEASE 23.11.24
KUNSILL LOKALI SAN ĠILJAN
Planning Authority Applications presented on the site of the Libyan School, Ta’ Giorni
The Council’s report analyzed the planning applications submitted for the Libyan School site in Ta’ Giorni, which is a site designated for educational purposes under agreements with the Libyan Government.
The applications under review include PA/05912/23 (sanctioning an outdoor play area), PA/04536/24 (conversion from educational residential to non-residential use), PA/07295/24 (construction of a 40-apartment residential block with parking), and PA/07490/24 (a mosque with a two-story structure and turret).
Concerns arose over the apparent piecemeal approach to applications, potentially circumventing requirements for comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA). The local plan (NHSJ 12) emphasizes integrated development, prioritizing educational purposes while minimizing traffic and environmental impacts.
The Council reserves objections which focus on several critical aspects. The provision of 42 parking spaces is inadequate, given the increased vehicular traffic anticipated, particularly from the mosque, which appears to cater to a wider community beyond the immediate site. The residential block’s multi-level design raises privacy and aesthetic concerns, as rear terraces would overlook nearby properties. Additionally, the applications fail to justify the purported increase in student activity or align with local policy requirements, such as comprehensive site development and environmental safeguards. The fragmented nature of the proposals contradicts the local plan’s directive for cohesive and sustainable planning.
The Council underscores that the current applications do not meet essential criteria outlined in the local plan. These include a unified site strategy, compatibility with educational or institutional uses, and compliance with design and traffic standards. Without additional data, such as EIA and TIA reports, or assurances of policy adherence, the council recommends opposing the applications. A more comprehensive approach is necessary to address the technical and community-based concerns effectively, ensuring alignment with established regulations and minimizing adverse impacts.
The St. Julian’s Local Council has unanimously voted to formally object to the planning applications submitted for the Libyan School site in Ta’ Giorni. This decision reflects the council’s commitment to upholding the principles outlined in the local plan and addressing the legitimate concerns of the community. Council members emphasized the fragmented nature of the applications, the absence of critical environmental and traffic impact studies, and the failure to align with the site’s intended educational and institutional purposes.
The council reiterates it’s position in prioritizing sustainable, policy-compliant development that respects the rights of residents whilst preserving the character and functionality of the surrounding area.