Concerned neighbors

Great fears about a small refugee center

15 asylum seekers are soon to be accommodated at Kirchenplatz 1 in Steinerkirchen an der Traun (Wels-Land district). Despite assurances that only families would be coming, a number of local residents expressed concern at the information evening. They fear an increase in crime and harassment of their children. 

The gymnasium of the Steinerkirchen secondary school was filled to capacity. ÖVP mayor Thomas Steinerberger hosted an information evening to mark the opening of refugee accommodation at Kirchenplatz 1.

Right at the beginning, Martin Pühringer from ORS, which had rented the building next to the church from a private individual for three years, presented the facts. "We have a promise from the state that only families will move in. We don't know the nationalities or ages of the asylum seekers. What is certain is that the building is only approved for 15 people."

Despite this comparatively small number of refugees, the fears in parts of the population are obviously great, as was evident from most of the questions asked by the 150 people present. Local politicians from the Freedom Party specifically expressed great concern about a blatant increase in crime. The central location was also an issue. Children could be harassed on their way to school.

I expressed my concerns about the refugee accommodation. As it is a private house, we have no right to have a say.

Thomas Steinerberger, ÖVP-Bürgermeister

Police commander Johann Trauner did not deny problems in connection with asylum seekers, but noted that they occur less frequently in rural areas than in the city. Representatives from Volkshilfe and the monastery tried to calm the situation: People should not already fear the worst without even having seen the people who will be moving in, they said.