Impact assessment for the Vasto Marina cycle path

11.7.2018

Question for written answer P-003818-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniela Aiuto (EFDD)

On 8 March 2018, Vasto municipal council presented the ‘VINCA’ environmental impact assessment for improvement work on the Vasto Marina cycle path.

The impact assessment examined the plan to replace the current, completely vandalised, lighting system comprising 94 lights on 90 cm high posts, with 52 lights, and more to follow as soon as possible, on lampposts four metres high. It states that the previous lighting system did not light the path well enough and that the new plan will also prevent further vandalism.

The impact assessment did not include a study on light pollution, which could have a strong impact on local insect and bird life, with repercussions down the line for plants and other wildlife (bats).

The Vasto Marina cycle path is situated within a site of Community importance (SCI) protected by Directive 92/43/EEC, and within a special protection area (SPA) under Directive 2009/147/EC.

In view of this, would the Commission agree that the failure to include a study on the impact of light pollution is contrary to Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC?

Will the Commission take action to halt the work due to start shortly until a study on the impact of light pollution has been conducted and to prevent any irreversible harm to local insect and bird life?