No further public water taps on horizon in Kildare
Photo for illustrative purposes only
IT remains unclear when progress will be made on the installation of public water taps around the county.
At the most recent full meeting of Kildare County Council (KCC), cllr Brian O’Loughlin motioned that “that the council undertakes to have at least one public drinking water tap in every town and village in the county.”
A report issued in response to cllr O’Loughlin’s motion by acting director of services, transport, mobility and open spaces Mark McLoughlin noted that the local authority installed a water station Kildare Town playground in 2023, which cost €10,000 and was funded through local property tax.
The report went on to say that “the installation of additional water stations or fountains will be dependent on the commencement of phase 2 of the government led Public Water Fountain Scheme. The council have not been advised of a date for the commencement of phase 2.”
The public water fountain scheme was launched by the government in 2024 with the aims of reducing the use of plastic bottles and providing widespread public access to drinking water.
Phase 1 of the scheme was focused on the provision of drinking water fountains within public buildings, whilst phase 2 is aimed extending the scheme to outdoor spaces such as community centres, swimming pools and parks. As outlined in McLoughlin’s report, the second phase was scheduled to commence in 2025.
Cllr Bill Clear commented on the importance of the location of such water taps, mentioning the lack of usage of a public water station at the Potato Market in Naas.
Social Democrat Chris Pender expressed his supported the motion and noted that it took four years to get the water station implemented in Kildare Town playground.
