Call for urgent economic relief
On Friday 16 October 2026, Daniel Sirera, president of the People's Party (PP) in Barcelona City Council, announced plans to press Mayor Jaume Collboni for immediate action to support businesses impacted by the prolonged closure of Collserola Park. The park has remained largely inaccessible for months due to an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), severely affecting visitor numbers and local trade. Sirera stated that the PP will formally request the municipal government to assess the economic damage suffered by catering establishments in and around the park, and to activate an extraordinary aid line without delay. The call comes amid growing frustration from local operators who have seen a sharp decline in customers.
For months, thousands of Barcelonians have been unable to go for walks, runs, bike rides, or enjoy Collserola as they usually did. We understand that health and safety must be guaranteed, but that doesn't mean the City Council should stand idly by,
said Sirera in a press release.
Pressure for gradual reopening
The PP's demands will be presented during Tuesday's Commission for Urban Planning, Mobility, Ecology and Housing. Sirera urged the council to work with the Catalan government to establish safe routes within the park, allowing controlled public access while maintaining biosecurity measures. This push aligns with appeals from the mayor of Sant Cugat del Vallès, a municipality bordering the park, who has called for designated 'safe spaces' to reopen. In late August, Agriculture Minister Òscar Ordeig indicated that relaxing restrictions could be considered in autumn, though he confirmed in September that the crisis is not over. According to Ordeig, around 200 wild boars remain in the infected area, requiring a 'sanitary evacuation' before full reopening can be considered. He stressed that reopening prematurely could risk public health and animal welfare.
We are not finished yet. We cannot give a message that the crisis is over and that access to the park is possible,
Ordeig told 3Cat.
What this means for residents and businesses
Collserola Park will remain closed for at least three more months, affecting not only recreation but also the livelihoods of businesses dependent on park visitors. The PP is demanding a dual approach: financial relief for affected operators and a clear roadmap for restoring access. Residents are advised to check the Barcelona City Council and Generalitat websites for updates on access and support schemes.
Primary sources: bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council. Reported by europapress.es, La Vanguardia Barcelona, Catalan News, elnacional.cat, ARA, Europa Press Barcelona.
