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Spain Rules Out Matalascañas Expropriations as State and Almonte Meet on Coastal Fix

Madrid talks seek a definitive plan following severe storm erosion.

Overview

  • MITECO and the Almonte council are meeting on January 14 in Madrid to pursue a definitive response to the erosion crisis that escalated after Storm Francis.
  • The government confirms expropriations are off the table; a structural option to relocate the seafront inland would need a land deal the mayor rejects, who estimates costs near €800 million.
  • Emergency works continue with about 700,000 m³ of sand dredged for roughly €6 million and nine groynes to be raised, alongside a request for civil protection emergency status to unlock state aid.
  • Recent damage includes severe hits to the promenade, an evacuation ordered after a UME risk assessment, and 50–60 affected properties along roughly 1–1.5 kilometers; Almonte has tendered €732,000 in repairs and puts immediate protection needs near €9 million.
  • Tavernes de la Valldigna reports critical regression at La Goleta, with the mayor seeking an urgent meeting on the stalled regeneration plan and interim protections after a ministry site visit, as the local PP blasts inaction.