At the opening of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes’ annual conference in Galway, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD reaffirmed the Government’s strong support for the group water scheme sector. He praised its role in sustaining rural communities, describing the movement as innovative, efficient, and deeply community-rooted, and as one of the best examples of collective action in Irish public life.
The Minister highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in the sector, noting the €166 million allocated under the Rural Water Programme 2024–2026. Spread over three rounds, this funding supports 550 projects nationwide, with nearly €74 million granted in July alone to 291 individual capital projects. He said this demonstrated the Government’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable water systems in rural areas.
The 2025 Rural Water Conference brought together representatives from the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, local authorities, and volunteers who operate and manage these schemes. Several schemes received awards for their dedication to protecting water quality and effective management, with the Minister commending the volunteers, staff, and managers whose efforts ensure that rural communities continue to receive safe, high-quality water.
Addressing future challenges, Minister O’Sullivan stressed the need for careful planning, ongoing investment, and conservation in the face of climate change, extreme weather, and increasing land use pressures. He emphasized that resilience depends not only on systems but also on strong partnerships between volunteers, the Federation, local authorities, and Government. By strengthening this cooperation, he said, Ireland can ensure its rural water systems remain robust and ready to meet evolving challenges.
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