Redevelopment and protection of São Roque coastline is step forward for the municipality, Pico and the Azores - José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the presentation of the project for the protection of the coastline and the redevelopment of the Cais do Pico bay in São Roque, a milestone for the municipality, the island of Pico and the entire region, he said.

The "constant postponement" and "lack of perspective" of past governments have given rise, with this Regional Government, to a "confidence in the implementation" of this project, which was presented today to civil society and the municipality of São Roque do Pico.

"Nowadays, Pico is an island that stands out as a tourist destination in the Azores and in the country. We are not talking about mere intention but about confidence in achievement. Despair has given way to hope. Late is what never comes and good things come to those who wait," declared José Manuel Bolieiro as the audience applauded at the session held at the Pico Fire Station. 

The presentation of the project took place on the first of a three-day statutory visit by the Regional Government of the Azores to the island of Pico.

Protecting the coastline in that area of Pico will bring gains in terms of "transporting people and goods, fishing and also recreational activities," said José Manuel Bolieiro, who recognised the "blue economy" linked to the sea as an economic sector with a bright future.

The "strategic responsibility" of this project has been defined by the Government, and it is now the responsibility of the Regional port Authorities - the Council of the Government will soon authorise the company to launch the public tender procedure.

"This is good news for São Roque, the island of Pico and the Azores. In the context of the blue economy, we are maximising the protection of the coastline, which is necessary and urgent, given the risk of erosion. We are also developing the town of São Roque, where the seafront is gradually opening up," said the President of the Government.

The intervention consists of the construction of a traditional breakwater with slopes, approximately 650 metres long, originating in the area of the natural swimming pool complex, inflecting next to the old port (largo D. Diniz area), and then running parallel to the coastline, about 150 metres away.

The project also includes the creation of an embankment and an inner port basin of approximately 25 thousand m2. The new inner port basin will allow the installation of floating structures for the operation of smaller vessels. 

The port embankment also includes the extension of the road from the east coast, known as Avenida do Mar, connecting it with the Largo D. Diniz area, as well as the creation of an internal footpath between that area and the Largo do Museu da Indústria Baleeira.

The Regional Government began a three-day statutory visit to Pico today - the programme includes several visits, meetings with the mayors of the island's three municipalities, a meeting with the Island Council and a meeting of the Council of the Government, among other events.