Concern is growing in the communities of Pyrgos and Kornos over the government’s intention to expand quarrying activity in the area. Residents are questioning whether the proposed extension of the quarrying zone will have negative impacts on the natural environment and biodiversity, while concerns are heightened by the proximity of the area to residential zones.
Larnaca MP Andreas Pasiourtides sought parliamentary clarification from the Minister of Agriculture, arguing that the quarrying area is located within and near a site of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. He also noted that during the public presentation of the project, insufficient information was provided regarding the environmental and other impacts of the proposed expansion.
Pasiourtides raised questions as to whether there are documented studies demonstrating the need for additional quarry materials in Cyprus to justify the expansion in the Pyrgos–Kornos area, and whether a special ecological assessment has been carried out to evaluate potential impacts on the Natura 2000 site.
In her response, dated 8 May, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou explained that demand for aggregates has been increasing over the past five years due to growth in the construction sector and ongoing major development projects. As a result, she said, and given that licensed reserves are expected to be exhausted within seven to eight years, examining the expansion of the Pyrgos quarry zone is considered necessary to ensure sufficient supply of aggregates.
Panayiotou added that the company operating the Pyrgos quarry has carried out a geological survey of the wider area, which indicates the presence of significant high‑quality rock reserves to the north‑west of the existing quarry. The company has also prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment study as part of its application for planning permission to extend the quarry.
“The existing quarry and the proposed extension are not located within a Natura 2000 site. The Environmental Authority, during its evaluation of the Environmental Impact Assessment, will examine whether a Special Ecological Assessment or other specialised studies on dust and noise dispersion are required, in order to ensure that no significant impacts arise on protected habitats and species,” Panayiotou said.
