PM says projects in Dubrovnik area worth EUR 608M

The government will adopt conclusions on water utility projects worth HRK 2.8 billion, transport projects worth over HRK 22 million, investments in ports worth over HRK 518 million, and the construction of a day hospital in Metkovic worth HRK 1.5 million.

Plenkovic singled out the Peljesac bridge project. He visited the construction site yesterday.

He reiterated the works were proceeding well and that the bridge, access roads and infrastructure facilities "should be finished in exactly three years."

He also reiterated that the EUR 357 million with which the European Union was co-financing the project "is proof of the value of our EU membership." "I expect us to continue to work on projects which will strongly, by reallocating funds from the European budget, reduce the inequalities between parts of Croatia and contribute to a more even regional development.

The prime minister also highlighted a recently renovated barracks of the Croatian army's 116th brigade, saying it was a boost to the economic development of the Ploce port and for the army to help civil institutions during natural disasters.

As for the future day hospital in Metkovic, Plenkovic said it was a necessity for 50,000 people in the area.

Speaking of Dubrovnik's tourism results, he said last year's arrivals were up 8% on 2017 and that the county recorded more than two million arrivals. He added that many of the projects the government was discussing today, such as better transport connectivity between the south and the rest of the country, would help to increase the tourist turnover.

Plenkovic said that later today he would visit the construction site of Dubrovnik's wastewater treatment plant and the city airport.

He also said that a Croatian government last met in Dubrovnik 14 years ago.

The Plenkovic cabinet convened the meeting during the Festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik. The central day of the festivity will be on Sunday.