Glaslough Tyholland GWS, based in north Monaghan, was honoured with the GWS Excellence Award for Biodiversity Enhancement at the Rural Water Services Conference in Galway in September 2025. This award recognises the scheme’s strong commitment to improving water quality, protecting biodiversity and supporting the local environment.
The scheme was established in 1978 and supplies drinking water to nearly 900 homes including the villages of Glaslough and Emyvale. Water is treated at its plant on the shore of Emy Lough using dissolved air flotation (DAF) and chlorination. While providing safe, reliable water is its main role, Glaslough Tyholland GWS has also made environmental protection a key priority.
Source Protection
Protecting the water source has been central to the scheme’s success. Over 16 kilometres of riverbanks have been fenced in the past five years, helping to improve water quality and protect habitats. The work coincides with a period when areas of high-water status in the catchment have increased by 33%. Emy Lough has also improved, moving from “Poor” to “Moderate” status under the Water Framework Directive.
Community Support
Working closely with farmers has played a major role in these improvements. A full-time community animator and farm advisor supports around 50 farmers in the area. Together, they have delivered farm plans that have led to an estimated €1.25 million investment in water quality measures. Farmers are also benefiting through improved water quality, helping them retain full derogation and access higher ACRES CP payments.
Other initiatives include a free weed-wiping service for about 60 farmers to control MCPA levels, and an extensive water sampling programme with 22 monitoring points. The scheme is also working on measures under the MARWP and taking part in research such as the AQUAMAN project with University of Galway, which is studying manganese levels in Emy Lough.
Looking to the Future
Looking to the future, Glaslough Tyholland GWS continues to invest in new ideas. Solar panels are being installed at pumping stations in partnership with Trinity College, helping to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. A new office and water quality hub is also being built, which will host training and awareness events for farmers and the wider community.
Biodiversity Initiatives
The scheme is also involved in wider biodiversity initiatives, including Hares Corner and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. In addition, it will benefit from a €3.8 million peatland restoration project, which will improve water quality and support local wildlife.
One of the biggest achievements in recent years has been the steady reduction in unaccounted-for water (UFW). Over the past five years, losses have fallen to just 5.27% in 2025/26. This improvement is due to the installation of 500 new meters and daily telemetry checks, which allow leaks to be found quickly and water use to be better managed. This has helped members save money and reduce water waste.
Manager Alan McCabe welcomed the award, saying:
The biodiversity award was a great endorsement of the work and dedication of our staff, members and farmers across our catchment and network. Simple measures yield great returns for water quality and nature.
The award highlights what can be achieved through local effort and strong partnerships. Glaslough Tyholland GWS is a great example of how GWS can protect biodiversity while continuing to deliver high-quality water services to rural communities.
For further information or if you wish to contact the GWS please visit: https://gtgws.ie/.
This article originally featured in the most recent edition of the Rural Water News magazine. To read the full edition and to sign up to our magazine mailing list, click here.
