Free drink! 84 new Public water fountains for Ireland

There will be up to 84 new public drinking water fountains by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) under the Public Drinking Water Fountain Scheme. This is an important contribution towards the Government’s commitment to improve public access to free drinking water and encourage the use of reusable water bottles. To date in 2026, a significant number of schemes have applied for grant aid to install drinking fountains, with a target of 84 by the end of 2026. The schemes that have applied so far cover 19 counties across Ireland.

Public water fountains to help with sustainability

Speaking about the schemes, Minister Dillon said:

“Drinking fountains are a vitally important part of reducing waste by providing the public with option to refill their reusable bottles at convenient locations across the country. They are also a real asset to local communities, not only creating a civic amenity, but reducing plastic bottle waste in our towns, on our beaches, and across our countryside. This expansion builds on the hugely successful existing scheme, which saw 43 fountains installed last year and I look forward to its continued growth across Ireland.”

The Public Drinking Water Fountain Scheme supports Ireland’s transition to a circular economy, by making it easier for people to choose refillable alternatives to single-use plastic bottles. Increased access to free drinking water helps reduce waste, prevent litter, and promote more sustainable consumption habits in communities across the country.

Supported by €610,000 from the Circular Economy Fund, the scheme is helping to put practical circular economy principles into action while supporting national efforts to reduce plastic waste and improve resource efficiency. The Department acknowledges the work of the NFGWS and its partners in delivering these installations and looks forward to the continued rollout of drinking water infrastructure that will benefit communities and the environment alike.

The Circular Economy Fund provides essential financial support annually – across a wide range of initiatives, as prescribed for under Section 8 (9) of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2022, including the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, EPA Circular Economy Programme, Anti-Dumping Initiative, Irish Environmental Network and Food Circle project.

In addition, funds have been allocated to support the introduction of designated waste collection systems for our legacy fishing gear, textiles and hazardous waste.

The Circular Economy Fund has funded 43 drinking water fountains to date, available across Ireland. Details of the schemes funded by the programme in 2025 are attached.

By the end of July 2026, 57 schemes had applied for funding. The 57 schemes cover 19 counties below. The numbers are based on the preliminary survey and are not a reflection of the total. Exact locations will be become available later in the year, when surveys and assessments of suitability have taken place.

Cavan 4
Clare 2
Cork 2
Donegal 1
Galway 11
Kilkenny 1
Laois 1
Leitrim 2
Limerick 4
Longford 1
Louth 1
Mayo 7
Monaghan 4
Offaly 4
Roscommon 1
Sligo 2
Tipperary 6
Wexford 2
Wicklow 1
Total 57

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