Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities have installed drinking water fountains within their functional areas over recent years. My Department does not hold data on the specific number of public water fountains currently in place across the country.

Uisce Éireann is engaging directly with local authorities on the installation of new water fountains as part of a pilot project. A review of the installation process and data on the actual usage rates will be undertaken to inform any future full national program for water fountains. Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann.

Separately, the National Federation Group Water Scheme (NFGWS) installed four water refill stations (as part of a project funded by my Department) in Group Water Schemes (GWSs) in counties Clare, Galway, Laois, and Offaly in 2022. Following its initial success the NFGWS are planning to install a further sixteen units under this project in 2023.

Details of the water refill stations installed by GWS as part of pilot project in 2022, funded by my Department:

Details of GWSs participating in the 2023 project, funded by the DHLGH:

The following table includes a list of GWSs that have water refill stations installed through other initiatives outside of Department funded project project:

Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818-578578.