Mayo group water schemes win excellence awards
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, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, during the Rural Water Services Conference. 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.
Clew Bay GWS received an Excellence Flag in the Water Safety Planning and Quality Assurance Implementation category.
Mayo’s PBKS GWS received an Excellence Flag in the Water Demand Management and Climate Section. The PBKS Group Water scheme in Mayo was them announced as the overall winner in the Biodiversity Enhancement section and they also received an Excellence Flag in the same category. There was another Mayo winner in the Biodiversity Enhancement section as Belcarra GWS picked up a prestigious Excellence Flag.
In the Community Engagement category, Glencorrib GWS received an Excellence Flag.
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.”
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.