The government has perpetual right and access to the foreshore and the sea of Fomm ir-Riħ according to a public deed between the land owners and the government, published by Ramblers Malta.
Ramblers published the excerpt on Wednesday after access to a secluded bay at Fomm ir-Riħ was blocked by a metal gate some days ago.
The access was temporarily restored following widespread anger.
But the environment ministry said the land has been private "for decades" and there and acknowledged the danger of nearby terrain. A barrier blocking off access could return if the landowner obtains a permit for it, the ministry has said.
MaltaToday later reported that the land is owned by developers' lobby president Sandro...