The Għajnsielem Local Council has formally objected to the proposed operation of “Noma Island” within the vicinity of Comino, citing environmental risks and a lack of regulatory clarity over who would be responsible for enforcement.
In a statement issued on Monday (today), the council said it had submitted its objections to multiple authorities, including Transport Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the Police, and the Planning Authority. However, it warned that uncertainty remains over which entity holds ultimate responsibility for oversight.
Mayor Kevin Cauchi tells WhosWho.mt that the situation appears to fall “under everyone’s and no one’s remit”, raising concerns about potential gaps in enforcement. “The MTA could enforce it since there is a restaurant on board, Transport Malta could enforce it because it has a captain so it can be a commercial vessel,” he said, adding that no authority has clearly assumed responsibility so far.
While Transport Malta has confirmed that the vessel has been issued a commercial vessel operator licence, the council maintained that any permits linked to the platform should be reconsidered in light of the environmental sensitivities surrounding Comino.
Mayor Kevin Cauchi said that if any approvals have been granted, they should be revoked. “If there are permits in place, they should be revoked, and if others are in the pipeline, they should not be issued,” he says.
Environmental and over-tourism concerns
The council’s objection is primarily grounded in environmental considerations, given that Comino is designated as a Natura 2000 site and Special Area of Conservation. It warned that additional commercial activity in or around the area could cause “irreversible damage” to marine biodiversity and sensitive habitats.
It also argued that the proposal runs counter to national efforts to reduce over-commercialisation and mass tourism pressures on Comino. The introduction of a large-scale entertainment platform, it said, would increase noise, human activity, and disturbance in an already strained environment.
Waste generation, particularly marine litter, was highlighted as another key concern, with the council noting that existing tourism activity has already contributed to environmental degradation on the island.
Noise pollution was also flagged, with the council stating that music and large gatherings at sea would undermine efforts to preserve Comino as a quiet natural zone.
‘Oversaturated’ destination
While stressing that it is not opposed to commercial activity in principle, the council tells WhosWho.mt that Comino has reached saturation point. “We have nothing against commercial elements, but Comino is oversaturated. They are taking advantage of its beauty and bypassing measures,” Mr Cauchi says, adding that smaller operators face stricter hurdles to operate in the area.
Noma Island includes a restaurant, bar-lounge, and freshwater swimming pool, with capacity for up to 350 guests.
“Malta’s fourth island” promised to be an exclusive venue “where time stands still”. The project has already faced opposition abroad, having reportedly been forced out of the French Riviera following objections from local authorities and environmental groups.
In Malta, the proposal has drawn criticism from multiple stakeholders, including the mayors of Għajnsielem, Sliema and Mellieħa, as well as political party Momentum and several environmental NGOs.
The Għajnsielem Local Council is now urging authorities to refrain from issuing any permits related to the platform, or to revoke them if already granted, in favour of prioritising the long-term protection and ecological integrity of Comino.
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