Protaras, Cyprus. Illegal structures operating on a state-owned coastal plot were dismantled on Tuesday following a 24-hour directive issued by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.
Demolition on state land within beach protection zone
The Famagusta district self-government organisation (EOA) confirmed the intervention took place on a state-owned parcel within a beach protection zone, where a massage service business had been operating from unauthorised constructions, including a pergola, kiosk and storage unit.
Ministry order and timeline
The Interior Ministry ordered the immediate demolition and instructed the district administration to “proceed without delay with the necessary actions for the immediate demolition and removal of the illegal structure, within 24 hours of receipt of this letter”.
Lease terms and permitted use
The land is leased to Paralimni–Deryneia municipality for an annual fee of €5,000 and is designated solely for use as a public parking area, with no permission granted for permanent structures or commercial activity.
Administrative dispute and inspections
According to ministry documentation, the enforcement action followed a prolonged administrative dispute over responsibility for removing the illegal installations. The ministry said inspections confirmed commercial activity was taking place unlawfully on state land, prompting repeated administrative correspondence before the final order was issued.
Municipality response and jurisdiction issues
The municipality said it was satisfied with the enforcement action and welcomed steps taken “regarding the enforcement of legality in a property within the beach protection zone in Protaras”. It had previously said it did not hold licensing or enforcement authority over the site following administrative restructuring, and that intervention required clarification of jurisdiction between state and local bodies.
Possible legislative changes and broader investigation
Ministerial spokesperson Margarita Kyriacou said legislative changes are being examined to ensure faster intervention in cases involving illegal occupation of public land, with the aim of enforcement “without procedural delay where violations are confirmed”. The case has also been linked to a broader investigation following complaints of possible corruption and failure of duty relating to the continued operation of the structures since at least 2022.
What steps should authorities take to prevent illegal commercial activity on state-owned coastal land?