Bratislava: Nove Mesto Borough Has No Say Over Defence Ministry's LED Screen

Bratislava, 5 February (TASR) - Bratislava Nove Mesto burough is aware of residents' concerns related to a large LED screen planned for the future headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, known as Kukurica [The Corn — due to the building's shape], particularly in the context of the previously problematic LED screen on the Trznica market hall at Trnavske myto, however, the building and land are owned by the ministry, so the borough has no influence over the new screen, head of the borough's press department Martina Goffova told TASR on Thursday. "The borough is aware of residents' concerns. Also based on past experience, especially with the LED screen at Trznica, we understand that similar elements can be disruptive and contribute to visual smog in the city," Goffova said. However, as the building together with the land belongs to the ministry in question, the Defence Ministry was under no obligation to request the borough's consent to install the LED screen, she underlined. Since the building in case is also a military administration structure, all necessary permits are issued by the Ministry of Defence itself. Asked whether they currently register any official complaints from the residents, she replied that some concerned residents have expressed their worries via social media. These posts criticise not only the LED screen itself but also the night-time illumination of the building as light pollution. "It is very sad that we have to look at this," some of the posts read. mf