The announcement of the winners of the Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards has quickly become a staple of the annual Rural Water Services Conference. Thursday's event saw Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Kieran O'Donnell TD, in attendance and delighted to reveal the list of the 2023 award recipients.
Now in their third year, the Awards celebrate the efforts of community-owned group water schemes around the country and the vital role they play in their respective localities. Split across four categories, the awards were judged by an external, expert panel. Group water schemes that achieved a required standard within their respective category were awarded an excellence flag and commemorative plaque, with an overall winner in each category receiving a special trophy.
Glencorrib GWS, County Mayo, was declared the overall winner for the 'Water Safety Planning and Quality Assurance Implementation' category, with Corracreigh GWS, County Roscommon, taking home the prize for 'Biodiversity Enhancement'. Dysart Toonagh GWS, County Clare, won the overall prize for 'Community Engagement', while Glinsk Creggs GWS, County Galway, was awarded the overall prize for 'Water Demand Management and Climate Action'. Indeed, Glinsk Creggs GWS deserves special mention in also winning an excellence flag in each of the other three categories.
In total, 16 excellence were awarded across the four categories. The full list of excellence flag winners were (in alphabetical order):
Water Safety Planning & Quality Assurance
- Dysart Toonagh Group Water Scheme, County Clare
- Glencorrib Group Water Scheme, County Mayo*
- Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway
- Kilconieron Group Water Scheme, County Galway
- Mid-Roscommon Group Water Scheme, County Roscommon
Water Demand Management & Climate Action
- Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway*
- Milltown Community Group Water Scheme, County Galway
- West Limerick Group Water Scheme, County Limerick
Biodiversity Enhancement
- Belcarra Community Group Water Scheme, County Mayo
- Corracreigh Group Water Scheme, County Roscommon*
- Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway
Community Engagement
- Corracreigh Group Water Scheme, County Roscommon
- Dysart Toonagh Group Water Scheme, County Clare*
- Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway
- Gowlan Group Water Scheme, County Cavan
- Milltown Community Group Water Scheme, County Galway
* overall category winner
Speaking during the announcement, Minister O'Donnell said: 'To each winner, well done on the incredible impact you have had within your community. This accolade is a testament to your hard work and dedication.'
'These proudly flown flags will serve as a great beacon in your locality of your scheme’s achievements. It's encouraging to see both new names and familiar faces among this year's award recipients. Thankyou to all participants, the award organizers, and the expert judging panel for their professionalism.
'These winners set a shining example for the entire sector. The excellence awards are a great way to celebrate the hard work of group water schemes and to raise awareness within local communities of the vital service provided. Congratulations to all, and here's to the journey ahead.'
