Green TD Steven Matthews has welcomed the announcement of a scheme that will see free drinking fountains introduced in public buildings and outdoor spaces in locations across Wicklow. It will first be rolled-out in public buildings such as libraries and then expanded to outdoor public areas.
Following the announcement by his Green Party colleague Minister Ossian Smyth, Deputy Matthews said:
“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.
“This is a relatively low cost but hugely beneficial investment and its another practical example of Green Party policies coming into effect at a national level. Huge credit goes to Minister Ossian Smuth for getting this 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.
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