Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
192. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the potential cost of providing every second-level student in the State with a reusable water bottle, which could be brought to school or used during sports activities to reduce the use of plastic bottles (as per the pilot project undertaken by Galway City Council); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27539/23]
View answerThe latest data published by the Central Statistics Office shows that the number of students attending secondary level schools in Ireland is 405,003 and the potential cost of providing every second-level student in the State with a reusable water bottle would be a multiple of that number, depending on the pricing for reusable bottles, which varies depending on brand, material and size.
Studies carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on public behaviours and attitudes towards plastics show that 81% of Irish people already own a reusable water bottle so government investment to promote alternatives to single use plastics must be targeted in the right way.
Current measures in place to encourage people to use refillable bottles and cups and to drink from the tap include:
• The Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) has developed a guide for local government and communities which supports access to free water refill points. LAPN also provides funding for the installation of public drinking water fonts and, in 2022, funds were provided 5 Local Authorities for this purpose.
• Refill.ie is a non-profit, community-led initiative, funded by the EPA and local government which maps the 1,600+ locations across the country where a reusable water bottle can be refilled for free.
• The GAA’s Green Clubs initiative, funded by local government and Irish Water, provides free, reusable bottles to participating clubs.
Finally, I understand that the Exchequer-funded pilot project on drinking-water fountains established in 2022 by the Minister for Housing and Local Government and Heritage, will be subject to a post-project review this year. I look forward to hearing the outcome of that review and to explore ways in which I can provide support for any future scheme that delivers public water fountains across Ireland.
