Regional Hospital Mullingar Joins National Effort to Conserve Water

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

With a water conservation order in place for the Mullingar Regional Water Supply in Westmeath, Regional Hospital Mullingar has stepped up to support conservation efforts by joining Uisce Éireann’s Water Stewardship Programme, a move that highlights the critical role of hospitals in protecting our shared water resources.

Uisce Éireann’s top priority is safeguarding water supply for homes, businesses, and essential services. The past 12 months have been significantly drier than average. 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, with water conservation orders in place for Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Milford, Co. Donegal, Kells-Oldcastle, Co. Meath, counties Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary and Cork excluding the city. 

As one of the largest water users in Mullingar, Regional Hospital Mullingar uses over 90,000 litres of water every day. While much of this is used for domestic purposes like drinking, washing, and flushing toilets, a significant portion supports life-saving medical treatments -including Surgery, Medical wards, Maternity Services, Central Sterile Services Department, and a number of other specialities associated with patient care.

The hospital is now signed up to Uisce Éireann’s Acute Hospital Water Stewardship Programme, a pioneering initiative in Ireland designed specifically for large healthcare facilities. Through the programme, 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 absolutely 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 Regional Hospital Mullingar, 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 roadmap for how to reduce water use across the hospital, without ever 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

We have 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 our Water Stewardship page.