---
title: "Government Finalises Deal for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné Return"
date: 2026-03-16T23:01:10.855+00:00
updated: 2026-03-17T14:04:37.216+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Economy", "Planning", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-03-16/government-finalises-deal-manoel-island-fort-tigne-return
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Government Finalises Deal for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné Return

## In brief

- The government has reached an agreement with the Midi consortium for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné.
- Both sites are planned to be developed into national parks and 'returned to the people'.
- The government will pay €43 million as part of this agreement.

The government has announced that it has reached a deal with the Midi consortium regarding Manoel Island and Fort Tigné. Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that both sites would be "returned to the people" and developed into national parks.

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici confirmed that the government will pay €43 million as part of this agreement.

The deal aims to transform these historic areas, making them accessible to the public as green spaces and recreational areas. The announcement marks a significant step in the long-term plans for the development and preservation of these prominent locations.

The MIDI plc consortium has formally accepted the government's offer to end its 99-year concession over Manoel Island and Fort Tigné. This acceptance confirms earlier reports about the deal.

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the agreement in a video message, stating that it delivers on a promise to return Manoel Island to the Maltese public. The agreement will see the government pay €43 million to MIDI plc.

Independent media outlets highlighted the cost to taxpayers and described the deal as a 'government bailout', while also reporting the Prime Minister's emphasis on returning the island to the public.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Outlets reported the formal acceptance of the deal and the Prime Minister's announcement, with some focusing on the financial aspects.

## Updates

- **2026-03-17:** MIDI plc has formally accepted the government's offer to end its concession for Manoel Island and Fort Tigné, as announced by the Prime Minister.
- **2026-03-17:** Adds sources from NetNews, The Independent, and MaltaToday, including reactions from the 'Manoel Island: Post Għalina' campaign.

## Sources (11, 8 outlets)

- [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140396/manoel_island_campaigners_satisfied_with_islands_return_to_public)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/malta/manoel-island-and-fort-tigne-to-be-returned-to-public-robert-abela-announces/)
- [NET News](https://netnews.com.mt/2026/03/17/hlas-ta-43-miljul-manoel-island-u-l-forti-tigne/)
- [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-03-17/local-news/MIDI-says-it-will-receive-47-3-million-as-Manoel-Island-and-Fort-Tigne-return-to-State-6736288052)
- [The Shift News](https://theshiftnews.com/2026/03/17/midi-confirms-its-acceptance-of-government-bailout-for-manoel-island/)
- [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/140388/government_secures_deal_to_reclaim_manoel_island_and_fort_tigne_for_43_million)
- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/deal-reached-midi-return-manoel-island-fort-tigne-abela.1125581)
- [NET News](https://netnews.com.mt/2026/03/17/il-kampanja-manoel-island-post-ghalina-tilqa-l-konkluzjoni-tan-negozjati-biex-manoel-island-tintradd-lura-lill-poplu/)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/abela-reveals-manoel-island-agreement-but-not-price-tag/)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/manoel-island-deal-to-cost-e43-million/)
- [ONE News](https://one.com.mt/it-triq-twila-u-difficli-biex-manoel-island-jinghata-lura-lin-nies/)

## More stories

- [New Tourism Rules Bar One- and Two-Star Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-04-15/new-tourism-rules-bar-one-and-two-star-hotels-all-inclusive-resorts) (2026-04-15)
- [Parliamentary Committee Unanimously Approves €42.3 Million Payout for Manoel Island](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-03-24/parliamentary-committee-approves-42-3-million-payout-manoel-island) (2026-03-24)
- [Taxpayers to Pay Over €42 Million for Manoel Island Return, Report Claims](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-03-23/taxpayers-to-pay-over-42-million-for-manoel-island-return-report-claims) (2026-03-23)

---

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