Rieder ice rink was quite an expensive winter fun

From 2002 to 2023, the ice rink in the exhibition center was a fixture in the winter leisure program for ice skaters and curling players. For structural reasons, the hall was demolished about a year ago. Political discussions followed, with the SPÖ in particular repeatedly emphasizing how important the ice rink was for young people. SPÖ deputy mayor Peter Stummer repeatedly emphasized that they would not let up on this issue. The demand for a temporary ice rink for the 2023/2024 winter season was finally approved by a majority in the municipal council, as reported. The hall was open from December 1 to the end of February with an ice surface of around 450 square meters.

A report from the audit committee now provides information about the costs. According to it, 255,676 euros were spent on ongoing operations and investments for the last ice rink season. This was offset by income of 66,115 euros. This results in a loss of 189,561 euros. A lot of money for a municipality that was only able to approve the budget for the current year on the third attempt. On the positive side, the ice rink was very well received, with a total of around 13,900 visitors. The audit committee is demanding that future projects be accompanied by a precise financial plan in which the points of turnover, visitors and planned loss must be forecast. In addition, the responsibilities for sponsorship and cost monitoring must be clearly defined, and the entrance prices should also be adjusted, according to the audit committee. The topic will be discussed again at the next meeting of the audit committee on September 16. SPÖ sports councillor Sebastian Forstner will also attend the meeting.

Forstner defended the provisional solution in an interview with OÖN. “When the bill was drawn up, the personnel costs of the municipal employees were no longer calculated at 35 euros, but at 49 euros. There was a unanimous city council decision regarding the search for sponsors. Unfortunately, I don’t know why this was not implemented. However, the city marketing department paid 20,000 euros,” says Forstner. He hopes that ice skating will also be possible next winter. “In general, the project and the investments made are designed to last for at least three years. We need this offer for the young people and families in Ried,” says the SPÖ sports councilor.