Transport Ministry Revokes Permit for Renovating Ruzinovska Tram Lines

Bratislava, January 24 (TASR) - The Transport Ministry has revoked a building permit issued last August by Bratislava Self-Governing Region (BSK) for the planned modernisation of the Ruzinovska tram infrastructure, TASR has learnt from ministry spokeswoman Petra Polacikova, who added that the ministry has upheld an appeal filed by the Association of Resident Self-management Companies. The ministry noted that the conditions imposed by the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) decision must be reflected in the decision's ruling. However, as the building permit doesn't include these conditions, it's considered to be an incorrect and unlawful. The association raised concerns, for example, about the absence of certain environmental protection features mentioned in the evaluation procedure decision. It also requested the provision of effective environmental care and protection, including by planting mature trees, creating rain gardens, adding solar roofs to tram stops, installing green roofs, and improving track beds. "BSK didn't consider the Association of Resident Self-management Companies as a party in the building proceedings, which is a procedural error that could only be resolved by annulling the decision and returning the matter to the first-instance authority [BSK ed. note]," said Polacikova, adding that the ministry's decision can't be appealed against. lin/df