Court declines to hear appeal over Joensuu cultural centre

Yle reports that the Eastern Finland Administrative Court has declined to hear an appeal concerning the decision-making process for Joensuu’s planned music and cultural centre.

The appeal was filed by a private individual against the procurement process for the project. The appellant argued that the city had made its decision using the wrong procedure and that preparations for the matter had been inadequate.

The court said the appeal did not fall within its jurisdiction. Under the Local Government Act, decisions concerning only preparation or implementation cannot be challenged through a request for rectification or a municipal appeal.

Under the Public Procurement Act, the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Market Court, and such a decision cannot be appealed under the Local Government Act.

Joensuu is planning to deliver the music and cultural centre through a partnership model in which North Karelia Cooperative Society owns the building and the city leases the premises. The Joensuu City Council approved the arrangement unanimously in February.

In May, the Administrative Court issued an interim decision on a municipal appeal concerning the centre. It rejected the appellant’s request to prohibit implementation of the city council’s decision on the project.

The latest decision is not final. It may be appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court if that court grants leave to appeal.