Communiqué from the Council of the Government - Communication

The Council of the Government, which met on April 14, 2025, in Ponta Delgada, adopted the following measures:

1. Within the scope of investments in Education, namely in digital technologies, it approved two resolutions authorising the purchase of the following equipment by the Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport: 

a) for the base price of 1,064,000.00 €, plus VAT at the legal rate in force, the purchase of 700 interactive panels;

b) and, for the base price of €1,597,500.00, plus VAT at the legal rate in force, the purchase of 4,500 laptops.

The acquisition of this equipment represents a fundamental strategic investment for the Regional Government of the Azores, aimed at modernising the school establishment within the regional education system. As such, it will guarantee access to digital technologies, promote equal opportunities and introduce significant improvements in learning environments.

The Regional Government has invested in computer equipment, specialised equipment, and classroom and laboratory equipment, with a view to guaranteeing access to digital technologies and making significant improvements to learning environments.

Since 2021, equipment has been purchased under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) implementation, including 15,700 laptops and 392 interactive panels. This figure is still insufficient given the needs identified.

With the purchase of these 700 interactive panels and 4,500 computers for regional school establishments, we are securing the renewal of existing technological resources in school spaces.

2. Approve the Resolution amending the programme for purchasing electric vehicles, known as the "Generations in Movement" Programme, increasing its overall allocation to €5,075,000.00.

This change in the amounts allocated to the "Generations in Movement" Programme meets the need to continue providing the regional Private Social Solidarity Institutions  (IPSS) with the resources to respond to the daily needs arising from the services they provide with quality and efficiency, not only to their direct beneficiaries but also to the community in general.

This investment falls within the Social Solidarity policies of the XIV Regional Government as part of the measures designed to respond effectively to the reinforcement and renewal of IPSS vehicle fleets. The aim is to improve response capacity and environmental sustainability by acquiring more than 100 electric vehicles for several IPSS and Misericórdias throughout the Region.

The investment in the purchase of 104 vehicles was approved and 82 have been allocated. The financial impact stood at €4,075,000.00 between 2021 and 2023, which is now expected to increase to €5,075,000.00.

3. Approve the Resolution determining the revision of PROTA - Azores Regional Land Management Plan.

This revision process falls within the Regional Government's strategy to monitor permanently the implementation of spatial planning instruments. After the implementation of PROTA 14 years ago, the aim is to adapt it to changing economic, social, cultural and environmental conditions, aligned with the conclusions of the respective assessment report.

PROTA established broad strategic goals, which include the economic, social and environmental development of the Region, territorial structuring, the protection and management of natural and cultural heritage, and the promotion of equity and sustainability.

PROTA's strategic goals include developing national spatial planning policy options and sectoral policies at a regional level, formulating the regional spatial planning strategy and the reference system for drawing up special, inter-municipal and municipal land management plans.

4. Approve the Resolution amending the Regulation of the Incentive Scheme for Energy Transition, Digitisation and Reduction of Environmental Impact in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in the Region.

This Incentive Scheme intends to modernise and improve the energy performance of the regional fishing fleet.

It also aims to develop innovation in aquaculture to improve the sector's energy performance, reduce the production of waste at sea and the carbon footprint, and promote the circular economy throughout the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

5. Approve the Resolution declaring the urgent public utility for the compulsory purchase of land plots and the rights thereto required for the implementation of the "Works Contract for the redevelopment and maritime protection of the Santa Iria Harbour on the island of São Miguel."

The redevelopment and maritime protection works at the Santa Iria Harbour are mainly aimed at stabilising the cliffs at the access to the harbour, considering the instability of the slopes, requiring their retention and ensuring safety.

The works contract intends to implement a solution based on nailing and metal mesh in an area of about 27,000m², namely the construction of rainwater drainage systems, essentially in the access area to the harbour, coastal protection against the direct action of sea waves, both in the northern and southern sectors of the infrastructure, and the upgrading of the access road to the harbour, including paving works, wall construction and placement of road signs. 

This work is of utmost public importance, thus requiring the compulsory purchase of the land plots necessary for its implementation.

The "Works Contract for the redevelopment and maritime protection of the Santa Iria Harbour, on São Miguel Island" will be carried out through a public works contract.

The amount provided for the compulsory purchase project is set at €11,891.42, according to the appraisal carried out in due course, and will be borne by the Region.

6. Approve the Resolution authorising the permanent and free transfer of two properties located in Preza Grande, parish of Raminho, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, by the Institute for Social Security of the Azores, IPRA, to the São Francisco Xavier Social Centre for the Elderly.