Belvedere reopens with water bottle refill facilities

Belvedere House, Gardens and Park re-opens this week with the addition of a new water bottle filler which has been installed giving free refills to visitors.

Cathaoirleach Ken Glynn the addition of a water bottle filler is a great asset for visitors.

" Plastic pollution is a serious environmental problem and these units are a practical solution to reduce and prevent plastic pollution”.

Stephen Masterson, manager Belvedere House, Gardens and Park added that the house and gardens would reopen on Monday April 26 next.

"We have made several improvements here during the Spring. Hopefully all that visit will enjoy the park as it is now coming into bloom. The addition of the water station is in line with our sustainable plan and we hope to share more on this over the coming weeks.’

Mary Bannon, visitor services supervisor at Belvedere stated:

“We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors back. With stunning views of the Jealous Wall, Gothic Arch and lakeshore, the park, play areas, woodland paths and gardens will be open to explore and enjoy”

The installation of the water bottle fillers is a waste prevention initiative by the Council’s Environment Department.

“Every day in excess of 220,000 single use plastic bottles are used in Ireland," stated Ruth Maxwell, Westmeath's environmental officer.

"Under this initiative twelve water bottle fillers have been installed. Each one of these units will play a part in reducing the demand for plastic bottles. Installing the units in public amenities, such as Belvedere has a dual effect – it is an amenity to the visitor and is also an educational tool to practically demonstrate how our actions can make a difference”.

The water bottle fillers are a unit that allows the user to insert their reusable bottle into the unit and it fills the bottle automatically, without any need for touch or contact. There is a digital counter on the unit, and it records the number of refills per unit."

The units have been supplied and installed by Crystal Clear Ltd.