Local Headlines - July 2022

Jellyfish arrive

The first jellyfish of the season were reported last month on beaches in Málaga and Rincón de la Victoria.  Experts say that more than usual of the creatures are likely to be washed up this summer.  The advice to anyone who is stung is to wash the skin with salt water, not fresh water, and to avoid scratching.

Busy ferries

Over 20,000 private vehicles are expected to take the sea crossing from Málaga to Melilla this month.  The Coronavirus crisis and a diplomatic spat with Morocco means that the route has been closed for the last two summers.  The Port Authority in Málaga is providing extra facilities for people and vehicles queuing to board a ferry.

Maro make-over

Calles San José and San Joaquín in Maro are to be upgraded.  The €245,000 project will be co-financed by Nerja Town Hall and the provincial government.  The work is subject to an archaeological survey because the streets are within the boundaries of the Asset of Cultural Interest restrictions which are in place in the village.

Tunnel upgrades

Tunnels on the A-7 coastal autovía are set for safety improvements in a €15.2 million modernisation programme.  The underpasses at Capistrano, Tablazo, Frigiliana, Lagos and Torrox were named four years ago amongst those in Spain with security deficiencies.  The Ministry of Transport says the tunnels must be updated to meet current European regulations.

Regional News - July 2022

Ryanair strike

Ryanair staff in Spain were still planning strike action at ten airports including Málaga.  As well as four days stoppage last month, disruption was expected to continue into early July.  The USO and Sitcpla unions claim workers are being denied statutory leave and that there is lack of risk protection in the workplace.

€3 Litre

Drivers in Spain could face petrol prices of more than three euros a litre this summer.  The Confederation of Service Station Businesses says the demand from tourism could exacerbate an already difficult situation.  In addition, Spanish road hauliers have threatened an indefinite strike this month if the Government fails to action on soaring prices on forecourts.

Gas record

A record amount of natural gas was used to generate power in Spain on June 15.  Enagas said that power generation from hydro, wind and solar sources has fallen as demand has increased in the heatwave, meaning the more expensive gas-fired plants had to make up the shortfall.  Spain and Portugal are temporarily subsidising power generation from fossil fuels.

Fourth jabs

The Health Ministry has clarified that a fourth Covid jab will be available only to those who are vulnerable, or are aged over 80.  Earlier last month, it was wrongly indicated that the extra inoculation would be universally available.  So far, 92.4% of over 70s are reported to have received their third injection.

Airport tradegy

The bodies of two brothers were found last month in the landing gear of an aircraft about to depart Algiers for Barcelona.  The Airbus A330-200 was immobilised while investigations continued.  The alarm was raised by the boys’ family after they received a video filmed on board the plane.