A plan to seek a judicial review over a controversial man-made beach project was thrown into uncertainty after environment officials refused to provide details on the project in time.
Six weeks have passed since a coalition of green groups wrote to the Environmental Protection Department, urging it to review the Lung Mei beach plan in Tolo Harbour and withdraw its work permit. The department was expected to reply by today.
But undersecretary for environment Christine Loh Kung-wai said yesterday the government could not respond in time.
"The Department of Justice is looking at the materials submitted by the groups. It is also gathering information to form a legal opinion. Six weeks is not enough," Loh said.
In October, officials declared the beach plan would go ahead despite environmental concerns.
Initiated by Tai Po District Council a decade ago, the project is being opposed by environmentalists, who fear the 200-metre beach will wipe out more than 200 marine species. Although the project was passed by the Advisory Council on the Environment and the Legislative Council, the coalition accused the government of misleading the two bodies and the public into believing there was no alternative for a beach in New Territories East.
