Curral das Freiras Cable Car: Project Still Alive, Despite Suspension

47-Million-Euro Project Continues To Live On

Building a cable car in Curral das Freiras, Madeira, hit a bump when the Regional Government changed, causing a temporary pause in the 47-million-euro project. However, the company in charge, Madeira Skypark Adventure, assures that the work never really stopped. They've already invested 8.2 million euros, and the whole project, funded privately with bank money, continues despite the political issues.

50 Years Contract Includes An Adventure Park And A Zipline

The contract, running for 50 years, covers a cable car system, an adventure park, a zipline and more in Curral das Freiras. Even though there were disputes, especially about environmental concerns, the company is confident the project is vital for tourism and regional prosperity. Construction is set to start in May, with a two-year completion timeline, focusing on environmental considerations.

Up to this point, the main consequence [of the political crisis] was the suspension of the contract, of which we were notified by the IFCN [Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation] on January 31st, based on the Government's management situation and its impact on its ability to fulfill contractual obligations.

Madeira Skypark Adventure

8 Million Euros Benefit Every Year Expected To Create 40 Jobs

While the political problems led to a contract suspension, it hasn't been canceled. Madeira Skypark Adventure is committed to taking on the project's risks and expects to create 40 jobs. They will pay 2,000 euros monthly to the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, adjusting for inflation. Madeira will also receive a share of the cable cars' revenue after the tenth year, estimated to bring 400 million euros in direct benefits over 50 years.

Company Announces Legal Actions In Case The Project Will Be Discontinued

With strict recovery measures, the company claims to ensure that environmental impacts will be limited to the construction period and a specific area. Following international environmental standards, they believe the project is feasible. However, they caution that a long suspension could cause harm, and if canceled, legal action may be necessary for compensation.

Who is In Favour of The Curral das Freiras Cable Car And Who Isn’t?

Opposing Parties

▶️ PAN (People - Animals party - Natureza)

PAN strongly opposes the project, with Mónica Freitas, a PAN deputy, expressing concerns about its environmental impact. Despite not being able to halt the project through a Parliamentary Incidence Agreement with PSD-Madeira, PAN aims to intervene and reduce the environmental impact as much as possible.

▶️ Civic Movement "Against the Cable Car in Curral das Freiras”

This group is against the project, especially the government taking land for the cable car infrastructure. They've taken legal actions to challenge this land appropriation and call for sustainable tourism. If you want to find out more about what is moving them, check out their website.

Parties In Favour

▶️ Inspire Capital Atlantic

This company is actively engaged in the project and has a contract with the Regional Government to construct the cable car system and the adventure park in Curral das Freiras. They view it as a chance to enhance tourism and promote economic growth.

▶️ Curral das Freiras Residents

At least some locals support the cable car project and are expecting the project to proceed. They hope for its inclusion in the next government program, believing it could boost tourism and bring economic prosperity to the remote area of Curral das Freiras. Additionally, they stress the long-standing presence of inhabitants in Curral das Freiras, dating back centuries, and insist that their needs should be taken into account in environmental impact studies.

Sources: Diário de Notícias Madeira, RTP-Madeira

Update March 10: The claim that many residents of Curral das Freiras fully support the Cable Car has been removed, as it is not clear how many are behind the project. There have been demonstrations in favor of the Cable Car but it is unclear whether this represents the sentiments of a significant number of residents.