The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) announced the winners of the 2026 GWS Excellence Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of community-owned group water schemes across Ireland in the areas of water quality, climate action, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement.
The award winners were revealed by Christopher O'Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, during the Rural Water Services Conference on Thursday, 10 September 2026. The awards ceremony formed a key part of the conference programme and celebrated the innovation, commitment and voluntary leadership demonstrated by group water schemes nationwide.
Christopher O'Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said:
The growth of the awards over the past six years is a testament to what's happening across the sector. Congratulations to each of our winners. Your achievement reflects the dedication, passion and hard work that have driven your success. The Excellence Awards continue to showcase the best of the group water scheme sector and are a great way to promote the schemes' achievements among the wider community.
The 2026 awards attracted entries from group water schemes representing counties across the country, reflecting the continued commitment of local communities to excellence in water management, environmental stewardship and community development.
The full list of winners below:
Water Safety Planning and Quality Assurance Implementation
This category recognises GWSs that have demonstrated excellence in implementing water safety plans and quality assurance measures to safeguard public health and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality drinking water.
Overall Winner: Dysart-Toonagh GWS, Co. Clare
The GWS Excellence Flag recipients are:
- Clew Bay GWS, Co. Mayo
- Doohamlet GWS, Co. Monaghan
- Dysart-Toonagh GWS, Co. Clare
- Kiltiernan GWS, Co. Galway
- Mid Roscommon GWS, Co. Roscommon
- The Heath GWS, Co. Laois
- Sliabh An Iarainn GWS, Co. Leitrim
Water Demand Management and Climate Action
This category recognises schemes that have implemented innovative measures to reduce water demand, improve efficiency, conserve water resources and contribute to climate action objectives.
Overall Winner: West Limerick GWS, Co. Limerick
The GWS Excellence Flag recipients are:
- Ballacolla GWS, Co. Laois
- The Heath GWS, Co. Laois
- Ballinagar GWS, Co. Offaly
- Clareen GWS, Co. Offaly
- Eglish and Drumcullen Rath GWS, Co. Offaly
- Doohamlet GWS, Co. Monaghan
- Glaslough-Tyholland GWS, Co. Monaghan
- Kilmaley-Inagh GWS, Co. Clare
- PBKS GWS, Co. Mayo
- West Limerick GWS, Co. Limerick
Biodiversity Enhancement
This category celebrates GWSs that support biodiversity, protect ecosystems and demonstrate how water services infrastructure can contribute positively to the natural environment.
Overall Winner: PBKS GWS, Co. Mayo
The GWS Excellence Flag recipients are:
- Belcarra GWS, Co. Mayo
- PBKS GWS, Co. Mayo
- Eglish Drumcullen Rath GWS, Co. Offaly
- Kilmaley-Inagh GWS, Co. Clare
Community Engagement
This category recognises GWS initiatives that strengthen community participation, encourage local leadership and demonstrate the social value of group water schemes within rural Ireland.
Overall Winner: Multyfarnham GWS, Co. Westmeath
The GWS Excellence Flag recipients are:
- Ballinagar GWS, Co. Offaly
- The Curraglass GWS, Co. Cork
- Cappataggle District Community GWS, Co. Galway
- Carrigahorig/Milford GWS, Co. Tipperary
- Dysart-Toonagh GWS, Co. Clare
- Glencorrib GWS, Co. Mayo
- Kilkenny West GWS, Co. Kilkenny
- Meath Hill GWS, Co. Meath
- Multyfarnham GWS, Co. Westmeath
GWS Ethos and Volunteerism Award
This year, the NFGWS also recognised volunteerism within the sector through the GWS Ethos and Volunteerism Award, a special recognition award that celebrates the values underpinning the GWS movement.
The award honours individuals whose dedication, commitment and voluntary contribution have played a significant role in supporting their local group water schemes and the communities they serve.
Special Award recipients recognised on the day were:
- Ann Keating - Ballingate GWS
- Bill Nolan - Ballybricken GWS
- Mike Reddy - Blackstairs GWS
- Joan Roche - Cadamstown GWS
- Patsy Ruane - CBC GWS
- Jim Ryan - Cloneybrien GWS
- Michael Phillips - Coshma GWS
- John Doran - Doohamlet GWS
- Mick Spain - Eglish, Drumcullen & Rath GWS
- Tom Burke - Kilmaley-Inagh GWS
- Tom Shiel - Kilmovee Urlaur GWS
- Tom Lynch - Meath Hill GWS
- Seamus Callaghan - Moylaw GWS
- Michael Loftus - Pollavaddy GWS
- Pat McGrath - Sliabh Riagh GWS
- John Mullin - TKL GWS
A Celebration of Rural Resilience
Speaking at the event, NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly commended the awardees:
The GWS Excellence Awards celebrate the very best of the community spirit that has sustained rural water services in Ireland for generations. Behind every award and every nomination are dedicated people who give their time, expertise and energy to ensure their communities have access to high-quality drinking water. These schemes are proof of what can be achieved through cooperation, commitment and local leadership. Their achievements remind us that the strength of the group water scheme movement has always been rooted in neighbours helping neighbours, and communities working together to create a better future for all.
Recognising Community-led Solutions
As the sector continues to evolve, the GWS Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence, share best practice and inspire others to follow. In keeping with the Rural Water Services Conference theme, "Community Solutions for Rural Water Challenges," the awards highlight the vital role that communities play in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for rural Ireland.
The NFGWS is encouraging group water schemes nationwide to build on this year's success and begin showcasing their achievements for the 2027 GWS Excellence Awards, ensuring that innovative community-led solutions continue to be recognised and shared across the sector.
If your group water scheme would like to get involved in the 2027 awards or would like more information on this year's winners, please contact your nearest NFGWS development officer.
