Fingal First in Ireland to Save One Million Plastic Bottles Through Public Water Stations

Fingal County Council has reached a landmark sustainability milestone, becoming the first local authority in Ireland to save one million plastic bottles through the use of its public water refill stations across the county.

According to Ecofill, the council’s supplier and operator of the refill infrastructure, over one million single‑use plastic bottles have been avoided over the past three years, thanks to the growing popularity of Fingal’s public water stations.

The network now spans 31 locations countywide, supporting residents and visitors to choose reusable bottles and reduce plastic waste across the Fingal area.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary said “This is a fantastic achievement for Fingal and well done to every member of the public who have made the conscious effort to reduce the plastic bottles in favour of the Fingal’s public water stations. This landmark sustainability milestone makes Fingal County Council the first local authority in Ireland to save one million plastic bottles and we are very proud to continue this work across all our Environmental, Climate Action and Sustainable Initiatives.”

Ecofil shoot Bremore Castle Balbriggan

Peter Wynne, Director of Ecofil, said: “Reaching one million bottles saved is a significant milestone and demonstrates the real impact that well-designed public infrastructure can have. Iconic V was developed and manufactured here in Ireland to provide a practical, long-term solution to single-use plastic waste. We are very encouraged to see such strong engagement from communities across Fingal.”

Many of the busiest stations are averaging savings of more than 60,000 plastic bottles each, with three high‑use locations exceeding 90,000 bottles saved individually, highlighting strong public engagement and behavioural change.

As the demand for refill facilities continues to grow, Fingal’s public water station programme demonstrates how small individual actions, reusing a bottle can collectively deliver significant environmental benefits at scale.

Sinéad Murphy, Director of Operations at Fingal County Council said: “Reaching one million plastic bottles saved is a significant milestone and a clear demonstration of how practical, everyday sustainability initiatives can deliver real environmental benefits. Fingal’s public water stations make it easy for people to choose reusable options, and the level of uptake we are seeing reflects a strong commitment from our communities to reduce waste and protect the environment. Fingal Operations team is delighted to continue to support this initiative by installing these water stations across the county.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “I am delighted with the news that we are the first local authority to achieve such a momentous Sustainability milestone. Since the beginning of this initiative, we have some of the busiest stations averaging savings of more than 60,000 plastic bottles each. This highlights a strong public engagement and behavioural change across the Fingal area. We hope to continue these positive changes into the future.”

This achievement reflects Fingal County Council’s ongoing commitment to environmental leadership, waste reduction and climate action. By providing free, accessible drinking water in high‑footfall public spaces, the council continues to make sustainable choices convenient, visible and part of everyday life.

Public Water Station Locations Across Fingal

Balbriggan Area (Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk, Rush)

  • Rush Harbour Park
  • Kenure Park
  • Skerries Recreation Centre
  • Skerries Mills
  • Ardgillan Castle
  • Bremore Castle
  • Glebe Park

Swords Area (Swords, Portrane, Donabate & Santry)

  • Holywell Park
  • Ward River Valley Park
  • Ward River Recreational Hub
  • Swords Manor Sports Pitches
  • Newbridge House
  • Santry Demesne
  • Portrane

Howth–Malahide Area

  • Howth
  • Malahide Castle
  • Baldoyle Racecourse
  • Velvet Strand
  • Robswall Park
  • Kettles Park

Castleknock / Mulhuddart Area

  • Tyrrelstown Park
  • Ongar Park
  • Waterville Park
  • Millennium Park
  • Beech Park
  • Hartstown Park
  • St. Catherine’s Park
  • Porterstown Park
  • Meakstown Community Centre
Ecofil location