Today, in the presence of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, the ground-breaking ceremony for the renovation of the service building in the Zehner barracks in Ried im Innkreis took place. The barracks, which is home to the 13th Armored Infantry Battalion, will thus be gradually upgraded to a construction standard with barrier-free access. The other buildings are to follow in the next few years. As things stand at present, the construction costs amount to 10.5 million euros.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “Due to the strenuous physical and mental work that our soldiers perform every day, it is particularly important that they have accommodation that is fit for our times. That is why the first funds from the increased defense budget are now flowing into the infrastructure of Upper Austria and into the renovation of the Zehner barracks.”
With the general renovation of the service building, the Ministry of Defense is sending a clear signal for the renewal of the structural infrastructure in Upper Austria. The renovation of the kitchen and catering facilities will “sweeten” the culinary lives of the soldiers and staff of the Austrian Armed Forces and allow them to enjoy a pleasant stay after duty. Construction will take around 21 months, including a trial run. The kitchen, dining hall and care facilities will then be available to soldiers again.
“The renovation of the barracks in Ried is the starting signal for a series of important investments for Upper Austria as a military base and for a modern and operationally strong force. We are clearly committed to the Austrian Armed Forces and above all to the Upper Austrian Military Command as a valuable and highly professional partner for the province of Upper Austria,” said Provincial Councillor Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer.
The Panzergrenadierbataillon 13, which is stationed in the Zehner barracks in Ried im Innkreis, is part of the 4th Panzergrenadierbrigade. This unit combines the mechanized forces of the Austrian Armed Forces. In addition to the usual infantry weapons, the “Ulan” infantry fighting vehicle is also used there. The unit carries out missions at home and abroad.
