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, Malcolm Noonan TD, in attendance and delighted to reveal the list of the 2024 award recipients.
This year’s awards are a fitting tribute to the exceptional group water schemes that have truly exemplified the essence of our sector, creating a profound impact in rural Ireland.
- Malcolm Noonan TD
Now in their fourth 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 independent, 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 hand carved trophy.
Commenting at the Excellence Awards, Mark Farrelly, CEO of the NFGWS said:
We are delighted to see all of these fantastic schemes acknowledged for their commitment and drive in the area of rural water supply. The Excellence Awards is an important opportunity to recognise best practice and the work of GWS board members, volunteers, staff, and all those that contribute to such a strong organisation within their community.
Tydavnet Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan was announced the overall winner in two categories: Community Engagement; and Water Safety Planning and Quality Assurance Implementation.
Meath Hill Group Water Scheme, County Meath picked up the overall winner of the Water Demand Management and Climate Action category and Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway was crowned the over all winner of the Biodiversity Enhancement Excellence Award.
Excellence Flag Winners were also bestowed on the day to group water schemes who met and surpassed the standard to receive the much-coveted Flag.
In what was a joyful occasion and recognition of the efforts of all schemes,16 flags were awarded across the four categories. The full list of winners below:
Water Safety Planning and Quality Assurance Implementation
Overall Winner: Tydavnet Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
In alphabetical order, the Excellence Flag recipients are:
• Ballinagar Group Water Scheme, County Offaly
• Dysart-Toonagh Group Water Scheme, County Clare
• Glinsk Creggs Water Scheme, County Galway
• Stranooden Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
• Tydavnet Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
Water Demand Management and Climate Action
Overall Winner: Meath Hill Group Water Scheme, County Meath
The Excellence Flag recipients are:
• Tydavnet Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
• Meath Hill Group Water Scheme, County Meath
Biodiversity Enhancement
Overall Winner: Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway
The Excellence Flag recipients are:
• Glaslough-Tyholland Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
• Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway
• Kilmovee Urlaur Group Water Scheme, County Mayo
Community Engagement
Overall Winner: Tydavnet Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
The Excellence Flag recipients include:
• Ballinabranna Group Water Scheme, County Carlow
• Doohamlet Group Water Supply Scheme, County Monaghan
• Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme, County Galway
• Killanny & Reaghstown Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
• Stranooden Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
• Tydavnet Group Water Scheme, County Monaghan
Speaking during the announcement, Minister Noonan said:
The Excellence Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the hard work of group water schemes and to raise awareness within local communities of the vital service provided.
The Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards form a key part of the Rural Water Week and are announced annually at the Rural Water Services Conference which takes place in early September. Over the last four years, the awards have showcased best practices and innovate thinking withing the membership of the NFGWS addressing challenges with professional efficiency and a community ethos.
If your group water scheme would like to get involved in the 2025 awards or would like more information on this year's winners, please contact your nearest NFGWS Development Officer.
