Cost of providing water to midwest hospitals up 89%

THE COST to the Health Service Executive (HSE) of providing water at its hospitals and health centres in the midwest has increased by 89 per cent in the space of two years.

According to figures secured by Brian Meaney, a Green Party councillor, at the HSE West Forum, the cost to the HSE of providing water has increased from €247,141 in 2006 to €469,820 last year.

The figures show that the highest single payout – €238,700 – was made last year by the HSE’s Limerick-based technical services division.

The figures show that the cost of supplying water to St Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis more than doubled from €22,923 in 2006 to €49,736 last year, while the cost for Nenagh General Hospital more than tripled from €6,700 in 2006 to €21,813 in 2008.

However, the figures show that the Mid West Regional Hospital in Ennis managed to cut back considerably on the cost of water last year.

The figures show that the cost of supplying water to the Ennis hospital has dropped from €48,589 in 2006 to €25,535 last year.

Across the midwest, the figures show that more than €1 million has been paid out in water charges in the 2006 to 2008 period.

Mr Meaney said yesterday: “There needs to be a change in mindset in how we consume our water. Local authorities are under the kosh in trying to meet the requirements demanded by the Water Framework Directive. In order to provide high quality, it costs a lot of money.

“These charges are not going to go away and consumer behaviour has to change.

“The days of leaving taps on and leaks undetected are long gone,” the councillor said.

Currently, domestic users are exempt from water charges. Mr Meaney added: “I have always said it, there should be a flat rate charge to every home and obviously there are exemptions for households who would be facing hardship.

“Water is a vital resource and by only placing a charge on it will make people come to appreciate its true value.”

He said that providing water is a significant cost to councils and pointed out that the new €9 million Ennis water treatment plant is currently being commissioned and is expected to be operational in the near future.