Galway Water Schemes Triumph at National Awards Ceremony

BREAKING: Three community water schemes in Galway have secured top honors at the prestigious Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards, held during Rural Water Week. This event took place on October 25, 2023, at the Clayton Hotel in Ballybrit, highlighting the vital contributions of local communities to water management and safety.

The Gallagh group received the coveted Community Engagement Award, recognizing their exemplary efforts in involving residents in water conservation and safety initiatives. Kiltiernan clinched the Water Safety Planning and Quality Award, showcasing their commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for local residents. Meanwhile, Milltown Community GWS demonstrated outstanding performance by winning both the Community Engagement Award and the Water Demand Management and Climate Action Award, underscoring the community’s proactive approach to sustainable water use.

In a new category introduced this year, the Volunteerism Award, several other schemes were recognized for their dedication, including Cappataggle, Glinsk Creggs, Kilcoona/Caherlistrane, and again, Milltown Community. These achievements reflect the growing importance of community involvement in water management across rural Ireland.

The awards were hosted by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes in collaboration with the Local Authority Services National Training Group, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and innovation in the sector.

These awards not only celebrate the success of these communities but also highlight the critical role of local initiatives in safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable water resources. As the climate crisis intensifies, the actions taken by these groups are more relevant than ever, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

Stay tuned for more updates on how these award-winning groups will continue to impact their communities and lead the way in water management practices.