Kilkenny scheme recognised at national awards
Kilkenny West GWS is an amalgamation of of five previous schemes
Kilkenny West Group Water Scheme was honoured at the 2025 Group Water Scheme Excellence Awards at the Clayton Hotel, Galway last Thursday as part of Rural Water Week.
The event, hosted by the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) in association with the Local Authority Services National Training Group, celebrates the outstanding achievements of Ireland’s rural water sector with the winners announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD.
Kilkenny West GWS is a relatively new amalgamation of five previously established schemes and the award was given to its board for their tireless commitment, collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication to the sustainable future of local water infrastructure which stands as a shining example of what volunteer-led community leadership can achieve.
The awards ceremony was one of the highlights of the annual Rural Water Services Conference, which brought together over 300 community leaders, volunteers and water professionals from across Ireland.
Speaking at the event, NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly said: “The group water schemes and their dedicated volunteers form the backbone of rural water provision in Ireland. Their impact extends far beyond infrastructure, it is rooted in people, place and purpose.”
“These awards are not only a celebration of technical excellence, but a recognition of the spirit of volunteerism and the unique community-driven ethos that defines the GWS model.”