A temporary ice skating rink in Ried was decided

2023-10-13 23:42:00

The ice rink, or rather the temporary ice rink for this winter, was a topic of discussion at the local council meeting on Thursday. An urgent motion had been submitted to decide on the provisional arrangement for this winter months. The decision was ultimately made with the votes of ÖVP, SPÖ and FPÖ. The Greens and Neos abstained from voting.

As reported several times, after the demolition of the former Hall 20, the opportunity for ice skating in the city of Ried also disappeared. The plans to build a temporary structure for the coming winter months had caused discussions for months. The sticking point was that the construction of the temporary structure resulted in unbudgeted costs of around 70,000 euros.

It starts on December 1st

“The vote on Thursday was ultimately a great moment for parliamentarism,” said Mayor Bernhard Zwielehner (ÖVP). “Of course the issue was driven by the SPÖ, but we from the ÖVP and the FPÖ also voted for it, the city of Ried also has social tasks and that has priority,” said Zwielehner. A reasonable way to cover the amount was found. From December 1st until the end of the semester break, ice skating will be possible in Hall 12 on an area of around 500 square meters. The aim is to keep running costs as “revenue-neutral” as possible.

The demand for ice skating opportunities in Ried has been apparent frequently in recent months. “I have received letters from communities in the district asking me to continue to operate the ice rink,” said the mayor of Ried. Conversely, however, suggestions to communities in the Ried district to work together to find a solution were “regarded with a benevolent smile”.

The fact that the Greens and Neos criticize the financial burden is legitimate; this matter is also about fulfilling social tasks as a city. “We are now providing an ice surface again for families, young people and curling enthusiasts.”