TNG denies misleading DPC as Government accuses GSD of politicising Eastside reclamation

The developers of the Eastside Project, TNG Global Foundation, have strongly rejected any suggestion that they misled the DPC about the length and visual impact of the outer breakwater in their plans.

Addressing recent media coverage, it stressed it has acted in full compliance with all planning procedures and requirements at all times.

Meanwhile, the Government has accused the Opposition of politicising the issue.  

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The outer breakwater is designed to protect the coast and create sheltered waters for the Eastside project. According to plans filed at the DPC, it's expected to be around 1 km in length.

But it’s the southern end of the marina arm that has sparked the most controversy.

Addressing those concerns, developers TNG Global Foundation points out that any line superimposed on a map purporting to indicate how far the outer breakwater might affect views from the beach should be drawn perpendicular to the shoreline, and not at an angle. 

It explains that way, it accurately reflects the true visual impact and its extent.  If the line is not perpendicular, it says it can unfortunately create a misleading interpretation of the breakwater's actual length, scale and visual impact - causing unnecessary concern to the residents of and visitors to Catalan Bay, and to the wider community.

TNG says it strongly rejects accusations that it has misled the DPC when, at their request, a boat was positioned consistent with its plans, demarcating the proposed southernmost point of the breakwater.

It adds, the DPC rightly drew comfort from this and approved the plans, adding TNG has been transparent at every stage of the process.

As well as not covering the entire length of the beach, it highlights the last 100m of the breakwater is made up of much lower rocks.

As to environmental concerns, it again reiterates that two Environmental Impact Studies have been carried out and it continues to implement the project strictly in accordance with these, and also under the close monitoring and oversight of the Department of Environment. 

TNG says it remains dedicated to ensuring that the Eastside Development delivers lasting social, economic and environmental value, while respecting the natural environment, the planning process and the sensitivities surrounding the beach at Catalan Bay.

You can view TNG's full statement here.

You can view the photomontage 1 provided by TNG here.

You can view the photomontage 2 provided by TNG here.

You can view the photomontage 3 provided by TNG here.

Government response

The Government has accused the Opposition of heavily politicising the issue.

It says the plans approved by the DPC are designed to preserve and enhance Catalan Bay, by bringing new life to the area, enriching the marine environment, and offering protection from winter storms.

It points out the EIA for the coastal protection works were the first condition of the agreement for the entire project - adding these documents can be viewed on the eGov Town Planning portal.

Alongside TNG, the Government believes objections stem from a misunderstanding of how the breakwater design is represented on paper.

It highlights that the coordinates provided in the project's plans may give the impression that the breakwater completely intrudes on views from the beach, but it stresses, this is not the case.

It explains, the beach does not run on a strict north-south axis, but is at a slight diagonal angle, and once the angle is taken into account and an accurate perpendicular line is drawn, a clearer picture emerges - one that shows the marina arm extending minimally beyond the northernmost part of the beach, therefore making the visual impact "barely noticeable".

The Government also points out that the part that does project slightly beyond the beach, is not a large wall but a low-lying revetment.

It calls on the public to consider the technical detail carefully in order to be "guided by fact rather than misconception".