The Federation of Commercial Associations of Crete has expressed strong concern over the government’s decision to proceed with a temporary migrant facility at the Skouloudis property on the Heraklion-Moires national road, arguing that key questions about the project remain unanswered.
In a letter to Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris, the federation says the decision was made without meaningful consultation with local residents, businesses or institutional representatives in Heraklion.
The proposed site is located at the 10th kilometer of the Heraklion-Moires road, an area that the federation describes as already heavily used by both businesses and residents.
Road Safety Among Key Concerns
One of the federation’s main concerns is access to the property and the safety of the surrounding road network.
The organization argues that the existing road infrastructure is already under significant pressure and that the site’s connection to the main road has not been adequately addressed.
It also questions whether there is a sufficiently documented traffic study that examines how large numbers of people would safely access and exit the facility.
Questions Over Flooding and Environmental Safety
The federation is also raising environmental and safety concerns because the property is located near a stream.
It says the authorities should provide clear assurances regarding the safety of people staying at the facility during heavy rainfall and flooding.
The issue is particularly relevant given the need to assess the site’s suitability not only under normal operating conditions but also during extreme weather events.
Businesses Concerned About Economic Impact
The commercial federation also points to the significant investment that has taken place in the wider area in recent years.
According to the organization, the area now hosts a large number of businesses and employs substantial numbers of workers, contributing significantly to the local economy.
It argues that establishing a new facility without consultation could have economic consequences for nearby businesses.
The federation is also seeking clarification about the facility’s operation and security arrangements, including how many people it is expected to accommodate and how the site will be managed and guarded.
Federation Calls for Dialogue
The organization links the decision to the continuing arrival of migrants on Crete and what it describes as insufficient staffing of the Hellenic Coast Guard, arguing that these pressures may be contributing to rushed decisions.
However, the federation emphasizes that migration is a serious issue requiring cooperation among public authorities, professional organizations, institutions, and local communities.
It is therefore calling on Minister Plevris to begin immediate consultations with professional and institutional bodies, as well as local residents, before the property’s final lease is finalized.
The federation’s central request is straightforward: provide answers, assess the risks, and consult the people and businesses directly affected before the project moves forward.
