The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) is proud to unveil its Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, setting a clear and ambitious direction for the future of Ireland’s community-owned rural water sector.
This new plan builds on over 25 years of leadership, representation, and mentoring, reaffirming our commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high-quality drinking water to over 200,000 people across rural Ireland.
Developed in alignment with the State’s Water Services Policy Statement 2024–2030, the plan outlines three core strategic priorities: Availability & Reliability, Safety & Quality, and Sustainability.
At the heart of the strategy are seven key touchstones that will guide our work over the next five years:
- Compliance with evolving regulatory obligations
- The turnaround of Design, Build and Operate (DBO) contracts
- Completion of the rural water sector review
- Continued investment in infrastructure and operations
- Climate adaptation and mitigation throughout the sector
- Drinking water source protection and the GWS's role in Ireland's Water Action Plan
- Strengthening community participation in group water schemes
These touchstones reflect the sector’s readiness to meet emerging challenges while embracing opportunities for innovation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 also places strong emphasis on governance, training, and collaboration with local authorities, the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government, and other key stakeholders, to ensure the sector remains resilient, professional, and community led.
We invite all stakeholders, scheme members, and partners to explore the plan and join us in shaping a vibrant future for rural water services in Ireland.
Read the full Strategic Plan here:
To download the document please click here.
