Unanimous approval by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has pushed Manoel Island and Fort Tigné a step closer to public return.

Endorsement of the agreement between Government and MIDI, following the company board’s backing, marks concrete progress in reversing part of the 2000 agreement under a Nationalist administration, which transferred these sites into private hands.

Delivery on a clear political commitment by Prime Minister Robert Abela is now within reach, as plans to return these spaces for public use continue to take shape. Only one step remains: approval by MIDI’s shareholders.

A firm negotiating position ensured that no payment will be made for the land value of Manoel Island. Only half of the verified and justified costs will be covered, following claims by the consortium and Government’s insistence on safeguarding the public interest.

Public voices have been central in reaching this stage and will remain key in shaping what comes next. Ongoing consultation will give families, activists and the wider community the space to put forward ideas on how these sites can be enjoyed by today’s generations and those to come.