Formentera Beach Buoy Project Gets Green Light
What’s Happening?
The Formentera council can now start installing safety buoys along the island’s beaches after Spain’s Central Administrative Court for Contractual Appeals (TACRC) rejected a legal challenge that had stopped the work.
How the Project Started
In February the council launched a tender for a buoy system with a budget of €215,046 (VAT included). Three companies bid, and on April 17 the contract was awarded to Maritime and Underwater Services of the Delta SLU for €168,190 (VAT included).
The Legal Challenge
The second‑placed bidder first questioned the evaluation report. The court said that report wasn’t an appealable act, so the challenge was dismissed on April 30. After the contract was awarded, the same company filed a second appeal directly against the award decision, which triggered a temporary suspension of the works.
Court’s Decision
On May 28 the TACRC ruled that:
- The council followed the procurement process correctly.
- The evaluation criteria were clear and the appellant didn’t provide the needed information to score points.
- The assessment was lawful and proportionate.
- Claims of unfair procedure or excessive interpretation were rejected.
- The bidder couldn’t change its offer after the deadline, as that would break the rule of equal treatment.
The court did not impose a financial penalty, finding no evidence of bad faith.
What Comes Next?
If the weather stays good, installation is expected to begin next week and finish by early July. That’s about two months later than the usual start date of May 1. The contractor has 30 days to complete the buoys once work starts.
Why the Buoys Matter
Environment Councillor Veronica Castello said the ruling validates the council’s criteria and lets them move forward with an essential service for beach safety and coastal management during the tourist season. The buoys help swimmers know where it’s safe to go and protect the coastline.
Other Beach Issues This Season
The buoy project isn’t the only challenge. Formentera’s beaches have also seen problems with beach kiosk operators and sun‑lounger/parasol concessionaires. Meanwhile, the council has appealed a regional decision that limited beach‑service lots for 2026‑2029. Operators whose permits were renewed have already set up their temporary infrastructure and are operating normally.
Conclusion
With the legal hurdle cleared, Formentera can now move ahead with its buoy installation, aiming to make the beaches safer for residents and tourists this summer. The council plans to speed up the remaining steps so the system is operational as soon as possible.
Reference: Source
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