Drinking fountains a ‘no brainer’ for Cork city, says TD

Following the installation of a drinking water fountain at the Lough, a Cork TD is calling for similar fountains to be introduced across Cork city.

Cork South-Central Social Democrats TD Padraig Rice has been advocating for local improvements to be made to the Lough.

Among the things Mr Rice is calling on the city council to do is to provide more free access to drinking water. Welcoming the installation of a drinking water fountain at the Lough, Mr Rice said: “This is something I called on the council to do.

“Over the last year, I’ve been running a ‘Love the Lough’ campaign, which has been highlighting small changes that could improve the Lough for everyone. One of those was a water fountain. 

"The Lough is a great place to exercise and even better now that there’s water available. 

Some of the other asks include a call for the playground to be upgraded, public toilets installed, biodiversity improved, and all footpaths made more accessible,” said Mr Rice.

He said the Lough drinking water fountain is expected to be open to the public over the coming few weeks.

“Hopefully, the drinking water fountain at the Lough is the first of many. We need to see water fountains installed across Cork city. It’s a no brainer.”

Mr Rice said these would save people money, reduce waste, and help ensure people have access to safe, clean, and free water when needed.

“The Social Democrats 2024 local election manifesto ‘change starts in the community’ called for more drinking fountains so people have access to free drinking water. This is something we will continue to campaign for.”

Independent councillor Paudie Dineen said that he also would like to see drinking water fountains introduced at other parks and public amenity spaces across Cork city.