There should be no doubt about it: The current situation at the Innsbruck slaughterhouse is inadequate. Only recently, an accident that could be traced back to the inadequate slaughter rooms was discussed in public. The people most affected, in particular the butchers, have also repeatedly pointed out these shortcomings and are pushing for the construction of a new slaughterhouse.

The need for such a facility is all the more urgent as the incorporation of the suburbs has made it almost impossible for the butchers there to use it due to the limited space in the current facility. In addition, the slaughterhouses in the suburbs leave much to be desired in terms of sanitation. People are forced to overlook the shortcomings because there is currently no alternative.

The city's veterinary report for 1905 comments on the slaughterhouse as follows:
"From a structural point of view, it must be mentioned that the slaughterhouse was almost dangerously overcrowded in the reporting year. On a floor area of 340.61 square metres, 79 large cattle slaughtering places are distributed, so that only 4.3 square metres are allotted to each place. When you consider that two assistants are required to slaughter a steer and that at least two square metres of floor space are needed for the necessary equipment, it is clear that no butcher has enough space. Especially on the big slaughter days, this lack of space means that the safety of the people is not guaranteed. The trolley traffic in the abattoir is also a major problem, as it significantly impairs the operational process."

In view of these untenable conditions, the construction of a new large livestock slaughterhouse can no longer be postponed. It is a safety imperative for all those who work there every day and are constantly in danger.

Another problem is the transport of cattle from the market and railway stations to the slaughterhouse. There are repeated complaints about cruelty to animals, crowds of people on the streets due to cattle lying on the road and unacceptable transport conditions for injured animals. These conditions are no longer acceptable for a state capital.

Location question for the new building

The question of location plays a central role in the construction of a modern slaughterhouse. But where should it be built?

One proposal was the eastern side of the southern railway viaduct, at the confluence of the Inn and Sill rivers. However, this project appears to have been rejected - and rightly so. This is because a direct connection to the railway would only be possible there at enormous cost, even though this connection is essential. Innsbruck is dependent on the railway transport of cattle for slaughter, as there are only a minimal number of cattle available locally.

A new proposal envisages the construction of a slaughterhouse in Pradl or above the Wilten state railway station. However, Pradl also seems unsuitable as there is no direct railway connection. Even if it were technically feasible, the costs would probably be too high. In addition, there is no running water there - the Sill does not always carry enough water and groundwater would only be available in high summer.

The second option, the area above the Wilten state railway station, offers an easier connection to the railway, but is also problematic. Access is severely restricted and leads either via Neuhauserstraße or via a road near the "Tschurtscherthaler Keller". The latter already has considerable traffic problems, which would be exacerbated by the construction of a slaughterhouse. In addition, the site is severely restricted by the railway and the surrounding mountains and offers little scope for future expansion.

The best solution: Siglanger

A slaughterhouse in Innsbruck must be generously dimensioned in order to fulfil future requirements. Therefore, a location should be chosen that allows for future expansion, has a direct railway connection and offers sufficient water resources.

The Siglanger area, which extends below Peterbründl and between the Figgenhöfe farms, fulfils all of these conditions. There is a direct connection to the railway, the Völserstraße road leads there, and the Inn and Geroldsbach rivers are also in the immediate vicinity.

With the incorporation of the suburbs, Innsbruck now has a total of eight annual markets and 52 weekly markets. It would therefore make sense to relocate these markets close to the new abattoir. The necessary space is sufficiently available in the Siglanger area. This would not only relieve traffic in the city, but also promote the economic development of this part of the city.

The connection to the urban transport network could also be slightly improved. An extension of the light rail over the Innrain to this area would make the distance to the city centre barely noticeable. There are also several railway stations nearby, including those of the state railway, the local railway and the Stubaitalbahn.

Of course, it may be that individual business people or neighbourhoods suffer disadvantages as a result of the relocation of the slaughterhouse. But ultimately, the interests of the general public are decisive here. The fiscal power of this new economic area would have a positive impact on the entire city in the long term.

Conclusion

The construction of a new abattoir and the relocation of the markets are essential. The population should actively participate in the discussion and express their opinion. Only in this way can the responsible authorities make the best decisions in the interests of the city. Keeping quiet and criticising later, when the decision has long since been made, will not help anyone.

The future of Innsbruck lies in forward-looking planning - and that includes a modern, easily accessible and hygienically perfect abattoir.