The future of Ineia beaches remains at the centre of discussion, with local authorities calling for greater access for visitors while arguing that human activity and turtle protection can coexist.
Speaking on the programme “Proti Enimerosi”, Ineia Deputy Mayor Giangos Tsivikos referred to both delays in completing the road connecting Peyia with Lara Bay and the community’s request for the development of Ineia’s beaches.
Road project remains unfinished
Tsivikos said the first phase of the National Forest Park road network remains incomplete, claiming the project has effectively been stalled for the past three years due to various issues.
He warned that the situation creates risks for visitors, as the required safety conditions for traffic are not in place.
According to the deputy mayor, during a recent meeting with the Forestry Department and the Environment Service, officials said the aim is for works to restart in October, allowing the first phase of the project to be completed and the following phases of the road network to proceed.
Tsivikos noted that planning for the National Forest Park began in 2016, adding that more than a decade has passed without the project being completed.
Calls for controlled beach use
Regarding Ineia beaches, Tsivikos said he has visited the area twice with relevant ministers, reiterating the community’s position that turtle protection can coexist with visitor presence.
“Our insistence is that turtles and people must coexist. We said one bay should be for turtles and the other for people,” he said.
He added that the community would not accept the complete removal of human activity from the area.
The community has requested the placement of umbrellas and sunbeds at the eastern bay to serve visitors and residents.
Tsivikos said the umbrellas and sunbeds that have already been purchased will be placed on the beaches next May, adding that the community is prepared to defend its position.
Debate over environmental restrictions
The deputy mayor said residents of Ineia feel like “refugees in their own land”, claiming that their properties have remained undeveloped for decades due to restrictions in the area.
Speaking to SigmaLive, Tsivikos provided photographs of the beaches and said the eastern bay has a rocky surface and does not provide suitable sand for turtle nesting, while the western bay serves as a turtle hatchery.
“One bay for turtles and one for people. Humans and turtles must coexist,” he said.
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