Old city watering hole cut off

AN old drinking spot in Limerick has been closed down over fears it might lead to antisocial behaviour.

But it was a watering hole with a difference – it just dispensed drinking water.

The Richard Russell Memorial Fountain was recently restored at the People’s Park at a cost of €80,000.

Built in 1877, it was one of only two made.

It operated as a public drinking place for up to 100 years in the park and prior to its removal for renovation.

But when it was put back in place, the tap was turned off.

A spokesperson for Limerick City Council said when they arranged for the restoration work to be carried out, it was decided it would no longer function as a water drinking spot.

The decision was based on concerns that if water continued to flow, it would attract people intent on antisocial behaviour

Caroline Curley, director of services at Limerick City Council said: “There is no water and we are happy with the fountain as it is.”

Dr James Ring of Limerick Civic Trust, which helped finance the restoration of the fountain, said new EU regulations also had a bearing on turning off the fountain taps on health grounds.