Transport infrastructure in Malta supported by the cohesion fund : an environmental perspective

Abstract

This dissertation aims to evaluate EU-funded road projects in Malta. More specifically, EU-funded road projects which received investment through Priority Axis 11 under Operational Programme I 2014-2020. This study first outlined the functions of transport infrastructure. It then discussed the major road construction operations and their environmental impact. To this end, the dissertation explained the main mitigative measures to reduce the impact of such construction operations. The dissertation provided a summary of the environmental requirements which are compulsory for project appraisal under the Cohesion Policy legislation 2014-2020. Through a qualitative research approach, the study analysed 3 selected EU-funded road projects: the Marsa Junction Project, the Central Link Project, and the Santa Lucija Underpass. Such road projects are expected to reduce GHG emissions, traffic congestion and air and noise pollution. Secondly, the dissertation outlined the main features within the selected EU-funded road projects which merited EU investment. Through quantitative descriptive analyses, the dissertation determined the EU’s aggregate budgetary contribution towards Malta’s road network. It established that for the 2014-2020 programming period, the aggregate allocation of EU funds towards Malta’s road TEN-T stands at approximately €124 million for a 6-year period. This figure highlights the monetary significance of acquiring such funds. In summary, both research approaches emphasized the benefits derived from the CF, the ERDF and the CEF. The conclusion reiterates these findings and outlines the expected benefits derived from the selected EU-funded projects.