Free drinking water refill stations launched in two Laois towns

The public drinking water pumps of old Ireland are being reborn as sleek steel 'water refill stations' in two Laois towns.

Laois County Council has confirmed that it has installed three such eco friendly water refill stations in Portlaoise and one in Abbeyleix.

In Portlaoise, a pilot Low Carbon Town, they are at Market Square, Portlaoise Leisure Centre and Páirc an Phobail.

In Abbeyleix, which aims each year to win back its 2023 title of Ireland's Tidiest Town, a refill station has been placed beside the library in Market Square. 

Laois County Council says that all except the one in Portlaoise park have been commissioned and are in operation.

The aim is to cut single use plastic, by helping people refill their reusable water bottles while out and about.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald asked the council to install the pumps around Portlaoise, in a motion she tabled to the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"I'm delighted. I'm looking forward to the one in Páirc an Phobail. People have asked about them. You see small children carrying around massive containers, a smaller bottle will be handier," she said.

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Cllr Barry Walsh seconded her motion.

"I was at the launch in Páirc an Phobail. I'd like to see these rolled out into all playing pitches. I'm told you are doing a test run," he said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly also supports the initiative.

"The amount of bottles refilled at the Leisure Centre is phenomenal, it's in the thousands. It goes to show the use down the line," he said.