Safety and sustainability of the NRRP-financed Garda cycle path
13.12.2024
Question for written answer E-002947/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE)
Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is providing funding worth EUR 30 million[1] for the construction of the Garda cycle path, which will be part of the national cycling network and linked to EuroVelo. The Italian Court of Auditors has stated that the project’s cost per kilometre of EUR 1.6 million is 'highly disproportionate’[2].
The project will have repercussions on a number of Natura 2000[3] Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), which are protected by the Habitats Directive[4]. Both the local authorities and a number of stakeholders[5] have voiced their concerns about the area’s fragile hydrogeological system, as well as the cost of the project and issues relating to road safety and the local landscape and environment. Given the circumstances, it would have been advisable to carry out an environmental impact assessment, but none have ever been conducted. One of the strategic goals of sustainable cycling mobility is the preservation of the environment and biodiversity.
In the light of the above, can the Commission clarify whether the project in question complies with the Habitats, Birds[6] and Road Safety[7] Directives and with EU fund management criteria[8]?
Submitted: 13.12.2024
- [1] https://openpnrr.it/progetti/?search=CICLOVIA+DEL+GARDA&tema=&o=Importo.
- [2] https://www.corteconti.it/Download?id=b74ee4e6-4d49-4392-b6fc-927d1570c089.
- [3] IT3210039 Monte Baldo Ovest, IT3210004 Monte Luppia and Punta San Vigilio, IT3210018 Basso Garda, IT2070402 Alto Garda Bresciano.
- [4] Directive 92/43/EEC.
- [5] Including, among others, the Interregional Coordination Committee for the protection of Lake Garda.
- [6] Directive 2009/147/EC
- [7] Directive 2008/96/EC
- [8] Regulations (EU) 2021/241 and 2021/1060