Regional Hospital Mullingar joins national effort to conserve water

With a water conservation order in place for the Mullingar Regional Water Supply, the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar has stepped up to support conservation efforts by joining Uisce Éireann’s Water Stewardship Programme.

Uisce Éireann said in a statement it is a move that highlights the critical role of hospitals in protecting shared water resources.

Uisce Éireann’s top priority is safeguarding water supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

The last 12 months have been significantly drier than average, and while recent rainfall has helped ease pressure in some areas, full recovery will take time.

Rising demand over the summer is placing added strain on already challenged supplies.

Currently, 47 supplies are classified as being in drought status, and water conservation orders are in place for Mullingar, Milford, County Donegal, Kells-Oldcastle, County Meath, counties Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary and Cork excluding the city.

The Mullingar hospital uses some 90,000 litres of water a day. While much of that is for drinking, washing, and flushing toilets, a significant portion supports life-saving medical treatments, including surgery, medical wards, maternity services, central sterile services department, and other specialities in patient care.

The hospital is now signed up to Uisce Éireann’s Acute Hospital Water Stewardship Programme. Through it, participating hospitals create a comprehensive water map to identify where water is used and where efficiencies can be made.

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with 20FIFTY Partners, provides hands-on training and site support, working closely with the HSE and local authorities to ensure lasting results.

Geoffrey Bourke, head of Uisce Éireann Customer Operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Regional Hospital Mullingar to the Water Stewardship Programme. Their commitment to sustainability and public health sets a powerful example, especially during a time when water resources are under pressure.

“We’re calling on everyone, homes, businesses, and essential services to follow this lead. Every drop counts. Whether it’s skipping the power hose, taking shorter showers or reporting a leak, small changes can make a big impact. You’ll find lots of practical tips at water.ie.”

Margaret Kelleher, general manager at the hospital, added: “We’re proud to be joining the national effort to protect our shared water resources, especially at such a critical time. Through this programme, we will have a clear plan for how to reduce water use across the hospital, without compromising on patient care.

“It’s empowering to take action, to be part of the solution, and to know that we’re leading by example here in Mullingar. I’d strongly encourage other hospitals and healthcare facilities to get involved.”

Businesses of all sizes can get involved

More than 1,200 graduates across sectors like hospitality, education, manufacturing, and retail have completed Uisce Éireann’s Certified Water Stewardship Programme, which provides practical training and guidance to help businesses reduce water use, save costs, and protect the environment.

Participants will learn to:

• Map water use across their site

• Review and improve water monitoring strategies

• Identify quick-win efficiency projects (e.g. rainwater harvesting)

• Establish governance structures to embed water-saving practices

• Develop a Water Charter tailored to their organisation’s goals

Uisce Éireann has tailored training options for every business:

• SMEs: Water Stewardship for SMEs Training Course

• Medium/Large Businesses: Certified Water Steward Programme

For more information please visit: water.ie/stewardship.