Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001994/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)
The quarrying carried out over the last 40 years in the Androlikou area, in regions that are part of the Natura 2000 network, has caused serious and irreversible damage to the environment. However, although quarry operators have a legal obligation to restore the environment, they have never done so.
In 2017 and 2022 opinions were issued as part of an evaluation report by the Department of Environment. These clearly stress that other quarry zones outside the Androlikou area, less harmful to the environment and to people, must be considered. Ignoring the warnings, the Mines and Quarries Service of the Cypriot ministry announced a public contract for the conduct of a study to evaluate the effects of the possible creation of a new quarry zone in the Androlikou area. This development, which infringes European policies on the environment, will prioritise the profits of business groups, wreaking more destruction on the environment in a protected region and further degrading the quality of life of those living in the area, putting public health at risk.
In view of this:
- 1.What is the Commission’s position on the residents’ request that a new quarry in the region be refused permission, to avoid further destruction of the environment?
- 2.What is its position on the taking of measures to restore the environment in the region, in accordance with European legislation?
- 3.What is its view regarding the promotion of alternative solutions for the construction of marine and coastal projects?
Submitted: 8.10.2024