The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has replied to a statement made by Alternattiva Demokratika regarding the revocation of permits relating to the re-development of the former Ulysses Lodge.

Mepa's comments are as follows:

· "The Authority stands by all its decisions, which include the issue of all permits on the Ulysses Lodge. There were no irregularities in the process from MEPA's side in spite of the various unfounded allegations.

· All decisions taken by the Authority were in complete conformity with all policies and legislation regulating development.

· The Authority, while consulting the public at the appropriate junctures, does not take decisions by public acclamation.

· On the contrary, whilst taking into account contributions by the public and NGO's, MEPA bases its decisions on policies and regulations, facts, as well as on scientific studies.

· The revocation was carried out because a specific condition in the permit could not be satisfied.

· In this particular case MEPA sought to contain this development and safeguard the environmental as well as the socio-economic aspect by including a number of conditions so as to ensure a sustainable tourism project in an already disturbed area.

· Even after the principle of development is approved, the Authority places great emphasis on detail in the formulation of conditions. This diligence should not be used to discredit the Authority.

· The reasons that led to the revocation of the permit were as a result of errors in submitted information that was wholly the responsibility of the applicant. Had there not been these deficiencies, the permits would not have been revoked.

· These errors only came to light as part of the natural progress of the permit in question. During researches carried out in preparation for the signing of the public deed imposed in the permit condition, it-resulted that due to the incorrect information supplied, the conditions of the permit could not be fulfilled."