Commission called for

Forest illegally cleared? Neos want full clarification

(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart)

18.81 hectares of forest are gone, the gravel pit can be seen from afar: Following the clearing of a forest in Ohlsdorf, the Upper Austrian NEOS now also want a political investigation into the case. They are calling for a commission of inquiry to be set up.

The clearing of the huge area next to the Westautobahn highway in Ohlsdorf is not only a matter for the public prosecutor's office, which is investigating initial suspicions. At the meeting of the Control Committee on Wednesday, NEOS club leader Felix Eypeltauer will propose a motion for the "appointment of a commission of inquiry into proceedings in connection with the Ehrenfeld II construction site".

Authority and politicians are under scrutiny
As reported in detail, the Court of Auditors criticized the procedures because, for example, an environmental impact assessment was not carried out. The responsible district authority in Gmunden and politicians are also being targeted. Eypeltauer speaks of scandalous events from which a major ÖVP donor had profited.

Constitutional Court rejects complaint by environmental NGO
The Pinken want to know, for example, what mistakes were made in the course of the clearing permit. And: "Who bears responsibility, particularly in technical, administrative and political terms?" Speaking of procedures: The Constitutional Court has now rejected a complaint by the NGO AllRise against Upper Austria, according to which too much land was used in the province.