Free Drinking Fountains for Public Buildings and Outdoor Spaces Across Wicklow.

Free drinking fountains are to be introduced in outdoor spaces and public buildings in locations across Wicklow. The scheme will first be introduced in public buildings such as libraries and then expand to outdoor pubic areas. 

Free drinking fountains are to be introduced in outdoor spaces and public buildings in locations across Wicklow. The scheme will first be introduced in public buildings such as libraries and then expand to outdoor pubic areas. 

Green Party TD Steven Matthews has welcomed this scheme following the announcement as he stated:

“I am delighted to see that public drinking fountains will be launched in Wicklow. I have advocated for these to be installed across the county since I was elected as a TD. Roughly, 220,000 plastic water bottles are used every day in Ireland and 2 out of 3 of these bottles are not recycled. The provision of public drinking fountains will reduce this excessive waste by ensuring that people have the option to fill up their water bottles for free."

He continues by crediting Minister Ossian Smyth for getting it over the line.

“This new fund is a very important investment in our shared infrastructure and public spaces, and I look forward to working with Wicklow County Council and Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) to ensure a speedy rollout of fountains,” concluded Deputy Matthews.