My second question at Wednesday 17th November MD meeting; “Can the council provide an update on the implementation of public drinking water fountains across the district to include the costing for buying/installing each fountain and the top 5 optimum locations for installation across the district, in preparation for budget and LPT retained tax allocation discussions?

Report issued by: Mr S Wallace, Parks Superintendent. : A public water fountain is currently being installed in Kildare Town Playground. The cost of a non- touch battery powered unit is €4,500 provided by Ecofil which has been used by a number of local authorities, installation and a water connection is costing €3,500. This does not include the ongoing charge that Irish Water will apply for the water usage and ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the unit. The costs for the installation and connection may vary from the figure quoted depending on the location and type and length of excavation that has to be undertaken. The figure quoted above is for a 10m connection to a water main. The Parks Section does not have the capacity to lead the role out of a programme of the fountains within existing resources and commitments.