CATANIA – The Minister of Civil Protection and the Sea, Nello Musumecivisiting the Port of Catania, criticized the position of the Council of State on beach concessionscalling it “particularly extremist“. He reiterated the Italian government’s resistance to the Bolkestein directive, underlining the need to protect entrepreneurs who have invested in coastal structures. Musumeci explained that many coasts in Italy are still free and that it is unfair stop investing of tens of thousands of operators without offering them the possibility to amortize the costs incurred.
During the visit to the port, Musumeci expressed particular appreciation for the activity of the president ofPort System Authority of the Eastern Sicilian Sea, Francesco Di Sarcinaand in the meeting with the president Adsp received all the information on the situation of the port infrastructure, including the repair of ferry dock and the start of work on the renovation of the dam of the Levante pier.
On the subject of Droughtthe minister criticized the lack of timely interventions and recalled the measure he launched in 2020, when he was president of the Sicilian Region, which provided for non-repayable contributions for the creation of company lakes. He then recalled the establishment of the Control room on the water crisis by the Meloni Government, to which Sicily was able to present 50 hydraulic works to be carried out. “We are looking for funds, but it is clear that it will take time – admitted Minister Musumeci from Catania – in the meantime, as civil protection we have allocated 20 million euros to help Sicily deal with the emergency for livestock and in the cities“.
Catania must return to having a central role insea economywhich is why the minister expressed confidence in potential of Catania and on the possibility that the city can regain its possession maritime traditionthrough adequate infrastructure. He mentioned the contribution of the maritime economy, which has 250 thousand companies, especially in Southern Italy, with almost one million employees and a value of 9% of GDP. The relaunch of Catania will also start from the historical crosses. In 2024, the port of Catania expects the arrival of more 100 ships and 200 thousand cruise passengers, marking an important growth in the sector. Among the new features, the return of “Disney Dream” after nine years, with 3800 tourists on board. During the visit of Minister Nello Musumeci, the president of the ADSP Francesco Di Sarcina presented the future plans for the ports of eastern Sicily, including the new master plan for the port of Catania hey works for the breakwater. He also recalled that Catania will host the Cruise Day 2025a fact that “certifies” the reputation of the cruise port of Catania.
