New Mobilization Against Subfluvial Project Between Getxo and Portugalete

A platform-organized demonstration highlights negative environmental impacts and the high economic cost of the project.

Generic image of a blurred crowd of people participating in a street protest.
IA

Generic image of a blurred crowd of people participating in a street protest.

A new demonstration brought together hundreds of citizens in Getxo and Portugalete to voice concerns about the Subfluvial project, criticizing its transport model, environmental impact, and high economic cost.

The platform opposing the project has stated that the proposed transport model would attract "thousands more cars" to the roads, creating a "pull effect." This, as indicated on page 14 of the environmental impact report, would lead to an increase in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

"Reducing dependence on oil is more important than ever, and for this reason, they advocated for more public transport and fewer private cars; precisely the opposite of what the Subfluvial would promote."

A member of the platform
They have also highlighted the unease generated around the educational centers near the construction sites, warning that the collateral damage for these would be "very serious." The Artaza-Romo institute, Betiko Ikastola, and the Romo and Artaza schools issued a statement in June requesting the project's halt. The Department of Education of the Basque Government has acknowledged that the evacuation of the main building of the Artaza-Romo institute is "one of the options on the table," as the works would make "normal study impossible" at the center.
Furthermore, they have denounced the state of Artatza Park and the Galindo stream. In the park, "dozens of trees will be cut down, and a quarter of the area will remain closed during the works." Additionally, the project includes a viaduct that, according to the demonstrators, would have "negative effects" on the ecosystem of the Galindo stream, endangering a protected fish species.

"Dozens of trees will be cut down in the park, and a quarter of the area will remain closed during the works."

A spokesperson for the demonstrators
Finally, they have criticized the economic cost of the project, arguing that an expenditure that "would amount to more than 500 million euros" should be invested in other public services such as public transport, the care system, and healthcare. They have warned that the current inflationary situation could further increase these costs. The demonstrators have stated that they "will continue to mobilize" until the project is stopped.