Filenews 10 May 2021 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Environmental Authority, with an opinion of 5/5/2021, as expected, turned red on the construction of the Astromeritis– Evrychos motorway, taking into account the conclusion of the report of the Special Ecological Assessment, according to which the implementation of the project will have significant negative effects on the environment which cannot be eliminated or reduced by taking any measures. The project passes through the area "Atsas-Agios Theodoros" of the Natura 2000 Network (Spa Special Protection Zone) for about 3,500 m.
According to the Ecological Assessment, the project will have negative, irreversible effects both during the construction phase and during the operation of the project, on the protection objects of the "Atsas – Agios Theodoros" SPA area of the Natura 2000 Network, on the types of designation and their habitats, which they use as vital areas of food collection, nesting, reproduction and rest, on conservation objectives and on the integrity and coherence of the network area.
However, the project falls within the State's strategy to improve its main road network and aims to solve the road safety and functionality problems observed on the existing road and to facilitate the accessibility of the Solea and Troodos areas, in order to contribute to economic development, social cohesion and the improvement of the quality of life of the inhabitants of the wider region.
To this end, the Council of Ministers has already decided to approve the project for overriding reasons of significant public interest and for reasons of social and economic nature and public security.
Following the latest developments, the Government is now expected to inform the Commission of its decision, to substantiate the reasons it is promoting the construction of the project in the absence of alternatives and to propose compensatory measures to affect the Special Protection Zone "Atsa-Agios Theodoros Region", in order to ensure the protection of overall Natura 2000 cohesion.
It should be noted that the Commission's approval is not required for the project implementation procedures to proceed as long as priority items are not affected. In order to avoid any danger, a new Special Protection Zone area is being considered in the wider area to cover the part that will be affected by the construction of the motorway.
The Astromeritis – Evrychos motorway starts at the junction to the community of Vyzakia and will end at the Kykkos junction (to Katydata) and is expected to cost €81.8 million.
