A court has rejected an NGO’s appeal against the controversial Central Link Project, with the project now given the green light to go ahead.

Infrastructure Malta revealed the decision in a statement and is set to give a press conference on the decision at 10:30am.

The state authority has already started works on the project, controversially kicking off the development while it was under appeal. Infrastructure Malta defended its decision, explaining that the Civil Court’s First Hall rejected a request for a warrant of prohibitory injunction made by the same NGO appellants.

NGOs went to the court after the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, which rejected a request to revoke the project’s permits.

The Central Link Project extends from the Mriehel Bypass, along L-Imdina Road, through Birkirkara, Balzan and Attard, to the roundabout at the foot of Saqqajja Hill, at Ta’ Qali. It hopes to cut travel times “in half” in the area and “drastically reduce” congestion pollution.

However, the uprooting of trees and other environmental consequences have drawn the ire of activists. Meanwhile, suspected archaeological remains have already been found along the route with parts of the project now halted.