Cystic Fibrosis Ireland has called on the Government to honour a commitment it made almost three years ago to provide a new cystic fibrosis (CF) inpatient unit at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital.

According to the charity's CEO, Philip Watt, a new CF unit was promised for Beaumont Hospital as part of the Programme for Government, ‘and here we are almost three years later and we are still waiting for the final go ahead'.

"CFI is calling on the Government to clarify when the building will commence and when it will be completed. We know that there have been positive developments recently with the setting up of a building steering group and planning permission is expected soon.

"However, where the original cost of the unit was €11 million, we are now advised that it is closer to €12 million and it will likely increase further with more delays - this against the backdrop of the continued uncertainty on the long-term impact of the National Children's Hospital budgetary overrun," Mr Watt commented.

CF is Ireland's most common life-threatening inherited disease. There are almost 1,400 people in Ireland affected and this country has the highest prevalence and some of the most severe types of CF in the world.

The condition affects the regulation of absorption and secretion of salt and water in various parts of the body including the lungs, sweat glands and pancreas. This defect inhibits the flow of salt and water through the body's cells, causing a build-up of thick, sticky mucus, which can clog airways and harbour harmful bacteria.

Symptoms can vary in severity. The most common symptom is recurrent chest infections, which results in lung damage.

There are currently just seven inpatient rooms in Beaumont Hospital for a CF population of 160 - a ratio of around 23 patients for every bed. This lack of beds can lead to delays in treatment and risks to health.

"These delays, coupled with the current facilities which are run down through over-use, risk compromising people's health. Ireland has the highest incidence of CF and some of the most severe types in the world. It is vital that Beaumont Hospital, as one of the five national adult specialist centres for CF, meets the required standards in terms of patient care and facilities," Mr Watt insisted.

He pointed out that CFI and local charity CF Hopesource have committed to raising €1 million to help fund the facility.

"CFI stands ready to do its bit. We need the Government to do its bit too without further delay," Mr Watt said.

He made his comments at the launch of CFI's annual 65 Roses Day fundraising appeal, which is due to take place on April 12. On that day, people can help raise funds by buying a purple rose for €2, texting 65ROSES to 50300 (texts cost €2 and CFI will receive a minimum of €1.80) or donating online at www.65RosesDay.ie

This year, the charity is hoping to raise over €120,000 for much needed services for people with CF, such as patient grants for counselling, transplant assessment, covering the cost of a number of CF clinical staff, and helping to fund the new inpatient unit at Beaumont Hospital.

If you would like to volunteer and lend your support on 65 Roses Day by selling purple roses in your community or workplace, call Brendán on LoCall 1890 311 211, email fundraising@cfireland.ie or visit 65RosesDay.ie

*Pictured is CFI chief executive, Philip Watt