Into the future

National Federation
of Group Water Schemes
RURAL WATER NEWS
Magazine of the Group Water Scheme Sector
Autumn 2006 Volume 8 Issue 3
Into the future
NFGWS Board views paid management as essential
The successful operation of
a group water scheme into
the future will depend on the
employment of professional
management on either a
full-time or part-time basis.
And schemes will have to
adopt structures and pricing
policies to address this.
This was the message to
emerge from the September
meeting of the Board of the
National Federation of Group
Water Schemes (NFGWS), as
reported to 230 delegates
attending the annual Rural
Water Services conference.
Take stock
While management structures
are increasingly being put in
place on larger groups, the
NFGWS Board believes that
schemes generally need to
take stock and to objectively
consider how their service is
to be run in the years ahead.
While the role of voluntary
committees/boards – in terms
of strategic management and
in overseeing the business of
their GWS – will continue,
the scale of administration
facing a modern water supply
service will undoubtedly put
pressure on schemes to adopt
a paid management approach
to the running of their affairs.
Rather than putting this off,
schemes are being urged to
move quickly to employ managers
and staff. And where
finance is an issue, they are
being encouraged to co-operate
with their neighbours in
putting shared management in
place under an umbrella cooperative
structure.
Survival
Describing professional management
as essential to ‘the
long-term survival of the
GWS sector’ and arguing that
in the emerging regulatory
climate this ‘simply cannot
be organised on a voluntary
basis’, NFGWS National Coordinator,
Seán Clerkin added:
‘Where necessary, consideration
will have to be given to
further amalgamations or
alliances, in order to underpin
our strategic objectives as
rural water service providers.’
In this issue:
Page
Comment ......................................3
Water regulation imminent:
legislation to be enacted this term
......................................................3
Source protection theme at rural
water conference ..........................4
Water treatment scam: group
schemes urged to alert consumers
......................................................5
Conference on water protection ..12
Source runs dry for County Cavan
GWS..............................................13
Sligo gives its response: large
crowds at official opening of
11 treatment plants ......................14
Leitrim glens celebrate: community
effort key to delivering quality water
......................................................16
Caherlistrane GWS in County Galway is one of many schemes across the country installing meters as part
of a wider upgrade. Pictured hard at work are Noel Higgins, Leo McHugh, Eddie O’Hare and Joe Monaghan.
Regional Reports:
Connacht ......................................19
Ulster ............................................21
Leinster ........................................24
Munster ........................................26
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Rural Water News Autumn 2006
2

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Comment
As our cover story suggests, the future management of group
water schemes is an issue that must be addressed. While voluntary
community control will remain our bedrock, there is no
escaping the fact that voluntarism generally is in decline. After
full consideration of the new operating environment for
schemes, the NFGWS Board is unequivocal in its assessment
that we need to employ people with the necessary skills to take
care of the day-to-day business of a modern water service. We
should move now to employ paid management and staff, working
under the direction of the GWS Board.
***
As the hot summer weather becomes an ever-distant memory,
some of the issues that arose for water service providers during
the long dry spell should neither be forgotten nor ignored.
In particular, many public and private suppliers experienced a
rapid and serious depletion of their raw water sources as consumption
exploded and lakes and groundwater sources had
difficulty recharging fast enough to meet the demand.
And even in circumstances where sources had sufficient water,
the exceptional demand meant that treatment plants were operating
far beyond their design capacity.
Perhaps this year was a flash in the pan and in nine months
time we will return to our ‘traditional’ Irish summer, but as
water service providers, we need to prepare for the worst case
scenario and to vastly improve the management of water
resources by recognising the limits of our sources and, where
possible, eliminating water wastage.
Both group water schemes and public schemes have to react
more quickly in periods of drought and, where necessary,
introduce bans on the use of hosepipes, car washes, domestic
swimming pools and other non-essential uses of water.
Consideration should also be given to interconnecting back-up
sources to the main supply.
These are issues that should not and can not be put on the long
finger.
***
In this issue, we highlight the unscrupulous behaviour of some
of those selling individual water treatment systems to households.
As water service providers, we need to be vigilant.
Where we see companies preying on our communities, we
should document and highlight their activities and stress to our
members the potential dangers of such systems. At present,
massive public and GWS monies are being invested in ensuring
a quality drinking water supply. We cannot allow these companies
to go unchallenged in undermining public confidence in
our treated supplies. They should be challenged to scientifically
prove the claims they make – in other words put up or shut up.
And until a law is introduced to deal with scare-mongering
sales techniques, group schemes are urged to contact the
Federation with any information or concerns they may have
about the operation of such companies.
Disclaimer
While every care has been taken to ensure that the information
contained in this publication is up to date and correct, no
responsibility will be taken by the National Federation of
Group Water Schemes for any error which might occur.
Although grateful for the support of our advertisers, readers
should note that inclusion of an advertisement does not imply
any form of recommendation.
We try to ensure the reliability of advertisers, but Rural
Water News cannot accept liability for the quality of goods and
services offered.
3
Water regulation imminent
legislation to be enacted this term
Delegates to this year’s
Rural Water Services conferences
in Sligo and Cavan
were left in no doubt that
the long-awaited Water
Services Bill will be enacted
in the coming term. And
there were firm indications
from Environment Minister
Dick Roche, TD, that introduction
of the legislation
will be followed by new,
stringent regulations aimed
at community-owned water
service providers.
Unsavoury
Speaking at the official opening
of DBO treatment plants
across County Sligo on 20
July, Minister Roche
announced the introduction of
what he termed ‘a new regulatory
framework for the
group water scheme sector’.
Warning that he would no
longer tolerate situations
where rural families are
denied access to quality
drinking water because of
what he termed ‘intransigence
or lack of initiative by local
authorities or by group water
schemes’, the Minister
emphasised that an alternative
was available to those
facing sanctions. Pointing to
the Sligo DBO bundle project
as an example for others to
follow, he said:
‘I have a strong preference
for the carrot of adequate
resourcing and support – as
opposed to the stick of stringent
legislation – to encourage
group schemes to move
in the right direction. Group
schemes have nothing to
fear from better regulation,
while consumers have
everything to gain. I guarantee
that funding will not be a
constraint on progress.’
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Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Source Protection Theme
at Rural Water Conference
230 delegates, including
representatives of 120
group water schemes from
11 counties, gathered in the
Cavan Crystal Hotel on 13
September for the 5th Rural
Water Conference hosted
jointly by the Water
Services National Training
Group (WSNTG) and the
National Federation of
Group Water Schemes
(NFGWS).
There was no doubting the
main theme of this year’s
event, as a series of speakers
addressed drinking water
source protection as one of
the major challenges facing
all service providers.
But, as in previous years,
this was a wide ranging conference,
providing those
present with a detailed
review of progress under the
Rural Water Programme and
outlining strategic targets for
the water services sector in
rural Ireland.
Minister
Given the unavoidable
absence of Environment
Minister, Dick Roche, TD,
the introductory address was
presented by Brendan Smith,
TD, Minister of State at the
Department of Agriculture.
Setting the tone for much of
the subsequent discussion,
Minister Smith said that EEC
entry (while generally of
benefit) had ‘a downside in
terms of pressure on the rural
environment and the gradual
decline in water quality’.
‘I’m glad to say that here in
Cavan we have confronted
these problems head on and
we have halted the decline in
our lake and river water
quality, Minister Smith said,
adding: ‘Farmers and rural
dwellers generally have acted
responsibly and positively in
bringing about a mindset
which puts a very high value
on environmental quality’.
Expressing pride in the lead
that Cavan has provided in
addressing deficient drinking
water quality and in pursuing
a DBO bundle approach to
upgrading schemes, the
Minister pointed to the success
of Annagh GWS in tackling
the problem of unaccounted
for water. He said:
‘With prudent and careful
monitoring of usage, wastage
and leakage could be reduced
without the need for major
network renewal ... [Annagh]
proved conclusively that networks
should only be
replaced on the basis of
hydraulic constraint or high
burst frequency’.
Source protection
Following an overview of the
Rural Water Programme by
Brian MacDonald of the
NFGWS, the remainder of
the morning session focused
on source protection.
Principal Advisor (Water)
at the Department of the
Environment, Heritage &
Local Government, Gerry
Galvin, explained the Water
Framework Directive and its
implications.
Through a series of maps,
Mr Galvin showed the extent
of risk or potential risk to
Ireland’s water bodies and
the steps that will be taken to
deal with such risks, including
implementation of the
Nitrates Directive from 1
August last. The implications
of failure to meet our responsibilities
were also outlined.
Continued on page 7
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Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Water treatment scam
group schemes urged to alert consumers
A senior member of the
National Federation of Group
Water Schemes (NFGWS)
has urged local GWS boards
of management to alert their
members to a growing scam
whereby some companies are
using pressure sales techniques
and misinformation to
sell costly and unnecessary
water treatment packages to
individual householders.
NFGWS Secretary, Tony
Prendiville, has claimed that
parts of Ireland are ‘plagued’
by companies targeting ‘the
vulnerable and the gullible’
to sell systems priced at
between a2,000 and a3,000.
His assertion is confirmed by
the experience of GWS
activists in several counties,
including Tommy Wallace of
Bulgaden GWS in County
Limerick who says that in his
area these companies tended
to focus especially, though
not exclusively, on the homes
of parents with small babies
and on the homes of older
people.
Pure H 2 O
A company with registered
offices at Cherry Lodge,
Leeson Park, Dublin 6, Pure
H 2 O has been identified as
being particularly active in
the midlands and western
counties. While their products
may or may not perform
as advertised, it is the
sales techniques employed
by this company that have
raised the hackles of group
water scheme activists and
local authority personnel.
Company salespersons
reportedly misquote EPA
reports, deride the local water
supplier, undermine and
belittle the testing procedures
of local authorities and the
HSE alike and ‘demonstrate’
that the local treated water
supply is unfit for human
consumption.
Scare-mongering is an
essential part of sales tactics.
At least one salesperson
reportedly claimed that the
sampled treated water supply
could cause stomach cancer,
kidney stones and even
Alzheimer's!
Unsavoury
Jason Kiernan of the Office
of the Director of Consumer
Affairs has told Rural Water
News that such tactics, while
unsavoury, are not illegal. At
least not yet, but new consumer
legislation, to be
become law in 2007, will
make it an offense to sell
goods through deceitful
means.
In the meantime, Tony
Prendiville argues that GWS
boards of management ‘need
to get the message out to their
members that a treated water
supply is both safe and
wholesome and does not
require any further treatment
process’. Consumers should
also be alerted that in purchasing
such systems, they
often unwittingly buy into a
service contract, which
results in ongoing payments
Tommy Wallace, Bulgaden GWS
GROUP WATER SCHEMES
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5

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
6

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Continued from page 8
In particular, Mr Galvin
emphasised that the ‘implementation
of binding rules to
give legal effect to good
farming practice will be critical
to Ireland meeting its
obligations under the Water
Framework Directive’.
Source protection
Dr Suzanne Linnane,
Director of the Centre for
Freshwater Studies at DkIT
gave an update on the
National Source Protection
Pilot Project.
After a full year of detailed
monitoring, the project has
identified the nature of all the
pollutants in Milltown Lake,
source for Churchill & Oram
Group Water Scheme. ‘Lowtech’
remedial solutions are
shortly to be introduced on
sections of the lake catchment
and intensive work is
starting on farmyard and septic
tank surveys.
The community remains
central to this project and Dr
Linnane said that following
on from a successful pilot in
local primary schools earlier
this year, the project had
designed a Water Science
course for primary schools
generally.
Farming
Both Jim Ward of Teagasc
and NFGWS Chairperson,
Brendan O’Mahony, looked
at source protection from a
farmer’s perspective. In Mr
Ward’s case the emphasis
was on the practical application
of REPs measures as a
means of restoring water
quality.
A series of ‘before and after’
photographs underlined his
case that remedial measures
can have a major positive
impact on river banks and on
water quality within a short
timeframe. His presentation
also supported the wider case
for a tailored REPs scheme to
encourage intensive farmers
to buy into the programme’s
water protection measures.
Left: Gerry Galvin, Principal Advisor (Water) at the Department of the
Environment, Heritage & Local Government, explained the implications
for Ireland of the Water Framework Directive.
Above: Tom Kirby of the WSNTG with Minister Brendan Smith, TD.
7

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Farmers
Emphasising that restrictions
on farming practice are nothing
new, Brendan O’Mahony
argued that no farmer could
object to measures designed
to prevent pollution of a
water source, in particular a
source of drinking water.
The core concern for the
agricultural sector in moving
from the voluntary ‘good
farming practices’ of the past
towards the new regulatory
framework was that protection
measures should be a
response to real or potential
risks, rather than being
applied generally.
Beyond this, consideration
must be given to the impact
on farmers’ livelihoods and
where no risk is established,
‘farmers would expect any
income loss to be made
good’, a principle already
established in Germany.
Beyond this, a fair basis
would have to be established
to determine both income
loss and the possible implications
for land values in areas
where farming is restricted.
Tipperary projects
In the first afternoon session,
the theme of water protection
continued, as North Tipperary
Director of Services, Matt
Shortt gave a fascinating
account of two pilot projects
being run in the Premier
County, both addressing the
issue of providing wastewater
facilities for small rural
communities.
The objective of these pilots
is to safeguard water sources
from the pollution caused by
septic tanks and, on a wider
social level, to facilitate rural
development. Cost is a key
issue for both projects.
The first titled ‘The Seven
Villages Project’ was
designed to provide wastewater
treatment plants
through a process of DBO
procurement.
Most interest focused on the
second pilot, titled STEDS
(Septic Tank Effluent
Drainage System).
Developed in the United
States, if successful STEDS
has the potential to transform
how waste water is dealt with
in dispersed communities and
has the capacity to address
one of the major contributors
to water quality – malfunctioning
septic tank systems.
A full report on this project
will be carried in a future
issue of Rural Water News.
Rationalisation
NFGWS senior co-ordinator,
Colm Brady reminded delegates
that as part of the
licensing arrangements to be
introduced under the forthcoming
Water Services legislation,
‘providers (including
group water schemes) will no
longer be entitled to supply
water to their consumers if
they cannot consistently
demonstrate
• Quality Water
• Quality Consumer Service
• Quality Management
The current programme of
amalgamation has provided
smaller schemes with the
potential to achieve these
goals, he said.
In terms of ‘quality management’,
Mr Brady explained
that the Board of the NFGWS
had adopted the employment
of full-time or part-time management
on all schemes as
Federation policy.
Listing the range of responsibilities
that now fall on a
GWS committee, he argued
that the time has come to ‘put
in place sound and sustainable
management and administrative
structures under the
supervision of the voluntary
Board of Directors’.
Brian MacDonald
Dr Suzanne Linnane
Jim Ward
Tea/coffeee breaks allowed conference delegates an opportunity to renew acquaintances.
Matt Shortt
8

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
9

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
DBO
Jean Gibson, O&M
Validation Officer with the
NFGWS opened the final session
with a comprehensive
assessment of the DBO
bundling projects, the main
plank of the strategy to bring
the GWS sector into compliance
with the drinking water
regulations.
A total of 222 group water
schemes, supplying almost
42,000 households are part of
DBO projects that have either
been completed, are underway,
or are at an advanced
planning stage.
UFW
A major part of this presentation
was devoted to the issue
of Unnaccounted for Water
and the results of a survey
conducted by Ryan Hanley,
Consulting Engineers on six
schemes in Galway DBO
bundle 1 and a further six
schemes in Mayo bundle 1.
This study involved a
focused programme of leak
detection along the networks
to determine where water was
being lost. The results were
conclusive: on five of the six
Galway schemes the vast
bulk of water loss was on the
consumer side of the connection.
This ranged from a staggering
96% on Lettergesh
GWS to 74% at the lowest
end, on Ballyglass/Fiddane.
It was a similar story in
Mayo, losses on the consumer
side of the network
ranging from 55% at the lowest
end, to 87% on one group
water scheme.
Only on Inis Meáin in
County Galway was the trend
reversed, with significantly
higher losses on the distribution
side. However, this is
explained by the local topography
and is the exception
that appears to prove the rule.
The costs to the scheme of
such leakage were worked
out on the Monaghan DBO
project and this made sobering
reading.
Expenditure
There was further sobering
reading in the presentation on
expenditure under the RWP
between January and
September 2006.
Carthage Cusack of the
Water Services Section at the
Department of the
Environment, Heritage &
Local Government reminded
conference delegates that the
threat of fines being imposed
on Ireland by Europe has not
gone away.
While substantial progress
has been made on the DBO
bundling strategy, nothing has
been done on more than half
of the 65 schemes for which
takeover is the identified solution,
while some three-quarters
of the 118 schemes to be
connected to a public main
have no work done.
Drawdown of funds under
the RWP for 2006 was similarly
disappointing, less than a
third of the a133 million
allocation having been drawn
down to date. Seven counties
had not drawn down any portion
of their allocation.
Mr Cusack called for a
renewed focus to get projects
up and going and to draw
down the available funds.
Galney
Conference concluded with a
parting tribute to Jim Ganley
who has transferred from
Water Services to the housing
section of the DoEHLG.
According to Seán Clerkin,
Mr Ganley had been a good
friend to the GWS sector.
Carthage
Cusack
10

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
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11

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Conference
on Water
Protection
A conference titled Working
Together on Water
Protection was held in
Galway on 13 and 14 June.
Hosted by the Environmental
Protection Agency’s
Office of Environmental
Enforcement, the conference
was open to the public
as well as environmental
enforcement agencies.
Tackling water pollution is
a key priority for the EPA.
The aim of the conference
was to inform interested parties
about the range of water
quality protection initiatives
being taken and the new legislation
and developments in
this area.
Targets
In opening the conference,
Dr Mary Kelly, Director
General of the EPA said:
‘While I am glad to say that
Ireland has met all of the
reporting targets of the Water
Framework Directive to date,
it would be wrong to assume
that meeting reporting targets
is the objective of the Water
Framework Directive. The
key challenge here is to
‘The Water Framework
Directive and all involved
in its implementation
should rightly be judged on
the outcome, that is,
improving water quality, a
reversal in the decline of
water quality and a restoration
to pristine quality of
our most precious waters.’
Dr Mary Kelly, EPA
Dr Mary Kelly
improve the quality of
waters.
‘The Water Framework
Directive and all involved in
its implementation should
rightly be judged on the outcome,
that is, improving
water quality, a reversal in the
decline of water quality and a
restoration to pristine quality
of our most precious waters”.
‘A range of actions across
all sectors is necessary to
protect and improve water
quality. To deal with this
issue it is imperative that all
State bodies and other interested
parties that can contribute
to improved monitoring,
implementation and
enforcement of water related
legislation, co-operate with
one another and work
towards a common goal.’
The conference focused on
the following key areas:
* findings of EPA Water
Quality reports;
* implementation of the Water
Framework Directive;
* using the Enforcement
Network approach to address
water quality;
* water quality research; and
* agricultural practices to protect
water quality.
12

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Source runs dry for
County Cavan GWS
A County Cavan group
water scheme faced an
unprecedented crisis at the
height of the summer heatwave,
as the soaring
demand for water sorely
tested the capacity of their
source, which came close to
disappearing, as the lake
contracted into two ponds!
Only the determined efforts
of Mountain Lodge GWS
committee members averted
disaster. By diverting water
from neighbouring Lough
Asturall through a four-inch
main, they managed to slow
down the rapid fall in their
source at Lough Naglare.
Mountain Lodge has
expanded considerably in
recent years. This and the
location of a some leaks on
sections of the distributionnetwork
go some way
towards explaining the inability
of the source to cope.
Even so, there was surprise
at the rapid decline in water
levels and alarm at the longterm
threat posed by the
appearance of a large crack in
the dried-up bed of the lake
that threatened to push mud
into the only remaining deep
water area.
Clockwise top: Mountain Lodge
GWS chairperson, Eddie Martin
surveys Lough Naglare as it virtually
dried up at the height of the
July heatwave. The scheme averted
total disaster only by diverting
water from Loch Asturrall, more
than a mile distant. Even then, a
continuous supply through a four
inch pipe could scarcely match the
rate of water loss.
Right: Large cracks appeared in
the bed of the dried-up lough, as
sliding mud threatened its very
future as a viable source.
Below: A view from the pump
(installed last year). The abstraction
point is indicated by a red box,
only yards from the water’s edge.
13

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Sligo gives its response
Large crowds at official opening of 11 treatment plants
Sligo’s rural drinking water
providers answered the
intense media criticism of
recent years, as large
crowds turned out in blistering
July sunshine to mark
the official opening of 11
new DBO treatment plants
that will serve group water
schemes across the county.
Completion of the plants,
represents a huge step forward
in resolving long-standing
problems with drinking
water supplies in the county.
But, despite national
media exposure of those
problems, the same media
were notably absent on 20
July when Sligo unveiled its
comprehensive solution to
sub-standard potable water.
Celebration
The fine summer weather
added to the celebratory
mood at ceremonies held at
four of the treatment plants,
where Environment Minister,
Dick Roche, TD, praised
what he described as ‘a
showcase project’.
14

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
In his keynote address, delivered
at Ballinafad Field
Study Centre before a packed
audience of local people,
elected representatives and
rural water activists, the
Minister praised the spirit of
partnership that was key to
the Sligo project’s success.
It showed, he said, ‘what can
be achieved through genuine
co-operation’ and, in this
regard, was ‘a beacon for others
to follow’.
In relation to the overall
project, he added that Sligo
provides ‘a shining example
of good design, cost effective
construction and care and
concern for sensitive and
attractive landscapes’.
First
Referring to the fact that this
was the first project to use the
concept of ‘post-tender planning’,
the Minister argued
that ‘the traditional, prescriptive
approach ... straightjacketed
contractors and
allowed no flexibility to
introduce innovative ideas and
methodologies’. He added:
‘The Sligo DBO project represents
a 'win-win' in terms
of good planning and costeffective
design and construction.’
The plants, completed on
schedule by DBO contractor
Treatment Systems Services
Ltd. (TSSL), at a capital cost
of a5.5 million, are to provide
a guaranteed quality drinking
water supply to upwards of
2,000 households.
There was further praise for
the contractor from Brendan
O’Mahony. The NFGWS
Chairperson, said that TSSL
deserved recognition ‘for the
sterling efforts you have been
making to fully inform group
schemes of developments,
for attending annual general
meetings and all of the other
personal contacts that will
ensure a smooth working
relationship for the next 20
years … at least!’
O’Mahony
Expressing his pleasure at
being in Sligo on the day
when the county had
‘answered its critics’, Mr
O’Mahony said:
‘It was only a short number
of years ago when national
media headlines were pointing
the finger at County
Sligo, branding it the worst
county in Ireland in terms of
drinking water quality. It
wasn’t true, of course, but
what really annoyed us in the
rural water sector was that we
knew even at that stage that
Sligo was one of our ‘good
news stories’ and if, in fairness,
they had consulted the
local media they would have
known that.
‘Here was a county that had
an agreed plan to bring quality-assured
water to every
home. Here was a county that
was implementing that plan
through a vibrant partnership
between the local authority
and the group scheme sector structure that is second to
that was structured through none supplying top quality
the Rural Water Monitoring drinking water. Of course, a
Committee and the DBO quality drinking water supply
Steering Group. Here was a demands a quality service to
county that even then was in consumers and I have every
the process of putting the confidence in the ability of
necessary infrastructure into Sligo’s group water schemes
place. Here was a county that to deliver such a service.
was doing exactly what it Better still, I can assure each
should have been doing in and every group scheme
addressing the long-standing committee that we, as a
problem of deficient drinking Federation, will be with you
water quality to rural communities.
Did the national the Operate & Maintenance
every step of the way during
media want to report on that contracts and as problems
story? I think you all know arise (as they will from time
the answer to that one. to time), we will be there to
‘You now have in this help resolve them.’
county a rural water infra-
Continued on page 18
Facing page: Environment Minister, Dick Roche, TD, and NFGWS
Chairperson, Brendan O’Mahony, with committee members of
Castlebaldwin Group Water Scheme.
Left: Minister Roche tastes the water being produced for Benbulben Group
Water Scheme by DBO contractor, Treatment Systems Services Ltd.
Pictured with the Minister is Séamus Crickley of TSSL
Top right: The Minister with the chairperson of Drum East GWS, Cllr
Veronica Cawley.
Bottom right: Members of Corick GWS committee with Minister Roche.
15

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Leitrim glens celebrate
community effort key to delivering quality water
The North Leitrim Regional
Supply Scheme was recently
extended to an area of
100 square kilometres in the
glens district, as part of a
a2.6 million contract to
resolve drinking water quality
issues on five former
group water schemes.
Environment Minister, Dick
Roche, TD, was present on
Thursday, 20 July, to celebrate
the completion of a huge infrastructural
project that was
only made possible through
what a close observer
described as ‘a great community
effort’.
Also key to the success of
this project was the approach
adopted by the committees of
the five schemes involved:
Glenboy, Lissingroagh, Glenfarne,
Ardmoneen/Loughross
and Ardvarney/Corracloona.
Poor Quality
For some 30 years, these
schemes provided a piped
For some group water schemes, the path
towards an upgraded drinking water supply has
meant considerable sacrifice. In our last issue,
Rural Water News focused on Ireland’s oldest
group water scheme, one of a 65 schemes
across the country that is being taken over by a
local authorities. In this issue, we look at the
positive experience of five Leitrim schemes that
recently connected to a public supply. This is
the preferred solution for some 118 schemes
where treatment of local water supplies is simply
not cost effective. In such circumstances, connection
to a public supply represents the only
practical way forward. Beyond this, the Leitrim
schemes also recognised that effective management
of their treated supply into the future
would require a new consolidated structure.
water supply to their communities,
but the quality was
poor. Amongst the issues of
concern, the schemes were
prone to ecoli contamination,
high colour, iron and high
16
acidity – problems common
throughout County Leitrim.
When approached in 2001
and 2002 by two of the
effected schemes to come up
with a solution to these difficulties,
Bluehills Consulting
Engineers concluded that
linking into the North
Leitrim Regional Supply
scheme offered the only
viable solution. This would
provide a fully treated supply,
sourced in Lough Gill on
the Leitrim/Sligo border.
Amalgamation
It was further recommended
that an amalgamation of the
five existing schemes across
the two glens (Glenfarne and
Glenboy) stretching 12 kilometres
from Manorhamilton
towards West Cavan) would
provide a more appropriate
structure to manage the
upgraded water service.
According to Des Joyce of
Bluehills, both courses of
action ‘provided enormous
challenges, but the task was
tackled in a very positive
way’.
Above: Environment Minister, Dick
Roche, TD, opening the newlyformed
Glenboy/Glenfarne GWS,
on Thursday 20 July.
Left: Committee members of the
of Glenboy/Glenfarne Group
Water Scheme, pictured with
Minister Roche, Leitrim County
Council Cathaoirleach, Sinéad
Guckian, and Des Joyce of
Bluehills at celebrations to mark
the completion of a major infrastructural
project that conprehensively
addresses water quality
problems for householders in two
of North Leitrim’s glens.

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
The local GWS committees
rose to meet those challenges
and following a series of public
meetings during 2002 and
2003, a new joint committee
was formed with representatives
from each of the five
schemes involved.
Contract award
In October 2003, the tender
for constructing the new
scheme was awarded to
Campbell Contracts of
Tempo, County Fermanagh.
EPS of Ballyhaunis, County
Mayo secured the contract
for the installation of pumping
stations and other
mechanical and electrical
works.
In addition to raising the
substantial 15% local contribution
across the new
scheme (which includes just
350 widely dispersed households),
the joint committee
set about securing wayleaves,
acquiring sites for six new
pumping stations and two
reservoirs, all the time keeping
the local community
informed of progress.
Construction of over 70
kilometres of new main, as
well as the pumping stations
and reservoirs and a programme
of universal metering
began in October 2004,
under the supervision of local
man, Brian O’Hagan.
According to Des Joyce, it
was not all plain sailing:
‘The project presented many
challenges such as rock, poor
ground and disruption to traffic
and local occupants. It has
to be said though that all difficulties
were dealt with in a
practical and professional
manner by all the parties concerned’.
Completion
With the completion of the
project in July, each of glens
was supplied through a service
reservoir, with several booster
pumps providing water to
homes in more elevated
areas. Quality drinking water
is supplied through a bulk
meter at Manorhamilton.
There was a sense of
achievement at the July
launch, the newly-formed
amalgamated committee
clearly delighted that so
much had been achieved in a
relatively short timeframe.
Even so, there was a recognition
that their task is far from
over and that the work will
continue in managing distribution
of the treated supply
and ensuring that the network
is regularly scoured.
And given the record of this
committee to date, the people
of Glenfarne and Glenboy
can rest assured that the
future of their water scheme
is in capable hands.
Clockwise from top right: The 47,000 gallon reservoir serving Glenfarne;
Des Joyce of Bluehills Consulting Engineers with Environment Minister,
Dick Roche, TD; the 63,000 gallon reservoir supplying Glenboy;
Donaghmore pumphouse, one of six pumphouses constructed as part of
the a2.6 million upgrade.
17

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Continued from page 15
Speakers were quick to
recognise the pivotal role
played by Sligo’s Rural
Water Liaison Officer in
driving the upgrade programme
forward. Stating that
the ‘key’ to the success of the
DBO bundle project had
been ‘the relationship of
trust’ built up between the
local authority and GWS
activists, Mr O’Mahony said:
‘I understand that here in
Sligo this key was entrusted
to a woman who embodies
the spirit of partnership that
is the foundation of all that
we are celebrating here
today. Kathleen McTiernan,
take a bow!’
Metering
For her part, Ms McTiernan
said that it had been ‘an
absolute pleasure’ working
with GWS committees across
the county. She stressed that
while the completion of the
treatment plants was a major
landmark for the county’s
Rural Water Programme, the
job was far from finished and
the issue of GWS metering
was now the priority.
‘As we look towards
enactment of the new
Water Services Bill
and the regulations
that will flow from it
in respect to licensing
of water suppliers,
Sligo can face the
future with justifiable
confidence.’
Brendan O’Mahony
Top: Members of Sligo Rural Water Monitoring Committee, Benbulben
GWS committee and local political representatives pictured at the official
opening of the new Benbulben treatment plant.
Bottom: At the Sligo event, Federation Chairperson, Brendan O’Mahony
presented Minister Roche with a copy of the NFGWS Strategic Plan 2006-
2008. The plan is available on the Federation website at www.nfgws.ie
18

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Blue Hills Consulting is one of the leading consulting engineers providing technical advice to the Group
Water Scheme sector. We shall be happy to discuss your Group Water Scheme projects regardless of size.
Please contact Des Joyce for further information.
10b Northwest Business and Technology Park
Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Regional
Reports
Connacht
Region
by Karen Mulkeen,
and Joe Gallagher
Mayo
The first and second advance
works contracts for DBO
bundle 1 are substantially
complete. Advance Works
Contract 3 (the upgrade of
Kilmovee/Urlaur GWS
including provision of a new
reservoir and rising main) is
progressing satisfactorily and
should be completed by the
end of October. Tenders for
Advance Works Contract 4
(work on Funshinnagh and
Glencorrib) were opened on
5 September and have been
forwarded to Clients’ Representative,
Ryan Hanley, for
a report and recommendation.
***
Brackloon Spaddagh GWS
water treatment plant is the
first of the 11 new plants to
be commissioned and is now
supplying treated water to
consumers. DBO contractor,
Earth Tech (Ireland) Ltd. has
submitted a commissioning
programme, indicating that
the remaining 10 treatment
plants and the existing
Belderrig GWS plant will be
T: 071 962 1875
F: 071 962 2859
19
operational by Christmas.
Bohola GWS treatment plant
is currently producing water
to meet the scheme’s
demand. The treated water
produced is of a high quality
and complies with the drinking
water regulations.
***
Leakage Control teams have
completed surveys of
Ballycroy, Bohola, Drummin
and Laughta group schemes
W: www.bluehills.ie
E : info@bluehills.ie
and are currently working on
Ballyglass/Carnacon,
Glencorrib and Killeen. The
teams have identified individual
consumers and sections
of distribution systems with
high UFW. It is vitally important
that once the surveys are
completed that GWS committees
take ownership of the
problem and become proactive
in maintaining UFW
below the 25% target.
Fahy GWS and neighbouring Drumindoo GWS have agreed to amalgamate. The DBO Steering Group has
recommended to the DoEHLG that this amalgamated scheme be upgraded as part of Mayo DBO bundle 1.

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
***
Meanwhile, on the second
Mayo DBO bundle, construction
has begun on
Advance Works Contract
Number 1 (critical mains
replacement and installation
of meter boxes).
***
DBO tender documents for
this bundle have been submitted
by Ryan Hanley and
approved by Mayo County
Council and the DEHLG.
The tender documents will be
issued to the short-listed contractors
in the next few
weeks.
***
Amalgamations have been
agreed between several
groups of schemes in the second
bundle. These include:.
• Bofeenaun, Lahardane,
Rathkell and Derryhillagh –
amalgamated as Nephin
Valley GWS Co-operative
Society Ltd.
• Ballyvary, Prizon/Lisnolan
and Keelogues – amalgamated
as Keelogues GWS Co-operative
Society Ltd.
• Fahy and Drumindoo –
amalgamated as Fahy GWS
Co-operative Society Ltd.
• Eskeragh and Pulladoohey
– amalgamated as Moylaw
GWS Co-operative Society
Ltd.
• Cuilmore and Burrishoole
– amalgamated as Clew Bay
GWS Co-operative Society
Ltd.
***
Callow and Meelick group
water schemes are to meet
over the next few weeks to
consider amalgamation.
***
The first six schemes in DBO
bundle 1 completed the
Performance Management
Training Course on 10 July.
The remaining schemes in
this bundle will sit the course
on Wednesday 8 November.
***
An information meeting for
schemes in Mayo bundle 2
was held in the Regional
Training Centre in Castlebar
Group scheme activits and staff of Earth-Tech Ltd who completed the Performance Management System training
course in Castlebar on 20 June, pictured with Jean Gibson (trainer) and Gerry Costello (May County Council).
on Wednesday 19 July. The
meeting addressed the forthcoming
Advance Works
Contract No. 1 and the meter
boxes and meters to be used.
***
A meeting of Mayo Rural
Water Monitoring Committee
was held in Castlebar on
Wednesday 6 September.
***
Islandeady/Glenisland GWS
and Drumsheel GWS have
been taken over. It was originally
proposed that
Woodfield/Ballure GWS and
Shammer GWS would be
included in DBO Bundle 2.
However, the schemes opted
instead to be taken over by
Mayo County Council.
Shammer GWS was upgraded
recently as part of the
takeover process and a major
upgrade of Woodfield GWS
will be starting shortly. Both
schemes are supplied from
the same source as Kilkelly
PWS. At present they are
served through pressurised
systems with no storage. It is
proposed to construct a new
reservoir, capable of supplying
the vast majority of consumers
on both schemes by
gravity. It is also proposed
that this reservoir will serve
Kilkelly PWS, as it has very
inadequate storage at present.
The works involved as part
of the integration of the two
group schemes with Kilkelly
include construction of a new
water treatment plant, a new
rising main and a new gravity
watermain at a total estimated
cost of
a1.47 million.
***
Schemes will be notified of
upcoming courses to be
delivered at the Regional
Training Centre Castlebar by
Karen Mulkeen or by
Caroline Murnane, Regional
Training Centre, Castlebar
(Tel: 094-9024444).
***
Mayo DBO 1, Galway DBO
1 and Roscommon DBO
schemes will be notified of
evening courses in GWS
Distribution Network
Management and Water
Conservation.
***
Congratulations to Karen
Mulkeen who wed recently.
The happy couple have jetted
off on honeymoon, but Karen
aims to be back in the
Kiltimagh office on Tuesday
31 October.
Continued on page 28
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20

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Ulster
Region
by Jean Gibson
Cavan
Cavan GWS Federation met
on 7 September. 27 GWS
personnel attended, representing
16 schemes. Jean
Gibson & Seán Clerkin
(NFGWS) were also present.
Mr Clerkin outlined the
importance to schemes of
appointing a paid manager to
look after the day-to-day running
of their affairs, adding
that this is now Federation
policy.
***
Cavan Federation sub–group
will meet in the coming
weeks to progress earlier discussions
on water pricing
structures and policies. Those
schemes that have not yet
completed and returned the
water charges form to the
Monaghan office, should do
so as soon as possible.
***
Nine of the ten schemes in
the East Cavan DBO bundle
have received taking over
certificates and entered the
O&M phase. ESB has now
been connected at the Dhuish
plant and commissioning is
due to commence shortly.
Reservoir refurbishment
works have begun and a
number of reservoirs have
been completed. Chlorine
Residual Analysers and laptops
were distributed to the
schemes on 18 July.
***
Taking over certificates have
been issued for all four
schemes in the South West
Cavan DBO bundle and three
are operational. Erne Valley
GWS is currently working on
reducing leakage, before
going into production.
***
The first LMC meeting for
this bundle was held on 27
July. All four schemes were
represented. Also in attendance
were Jean Gibson and
Colm Brady (NFGWS),
Jennifer Smyth (Tobin
Consultants), Tadhg Buckley,
Barry O’Toole and Ciarán
Duffy (EPS Ltd.).
***
All schemes are completed in
the West Cavan DBO bundle
project. The metering project
is almost completed.
***
On 11 September Ballymagovern
and Currin group
water schemes amalgamated
to form Templeport GWS. As
part of the West Cavan bundle,
amalgamation was recommended
as the most cost
effective solution, given that
the two former schemes have
a shared treatment plant
located at Templeport.
***
Distribution of the Chlorine
Residual Analysers and laptops
to the West & South
West Cavan DBO bundles
will be organised through
Cavan Co. Co. & EPS Ltd.
respectively.
***
Congratulations to Kevin
Smith, newly appointed Rural
Water Liaison Officer for
Cavan. Kevin replaces Paddy
Connaughton who has moved
to the public water sector. We
wish them both success in
their new positions.
***
The recently formed Portruan
GWS is to connect to
Belturbet PWS. The contract
for works will go to tender
before Christmas. The
scheme currently has approximately
40 houses.
***
On 13 September, a a.85 million
contract was signed with
P&S Construction for the
laying of a pipeline extension
for Crosserlough GWS on the
Cavan/Kilnaleck and Cavan/
Crosskeys roads.
Above: Senior Advisor at the DoEHLG, Oliver Fogarty , was present with the committee of Crosserlough GWS,
representatives of the NFGWS, Cavan Co. Co. and T. J. O’Connor, Consulting Engineers, at the signing of a
a.85 million contract with P&S Construction for laying pipeline extensions on the Crosserlough scheme.
Below: Pictured at the presentation of laptops and chlorine residual monitors to schemes in the East Cavan DBO
bundle on 18 July were l-r, Kevin Smith (Cavan Co. Co.), Michael Clarke and Eddie Martin (Mountain Lodge
GWS), Ciarán McTague (Cavan Co. Co.) and Jim Fairburn (Kill GWS).
21

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
GROUP
Contracts Division
Church Hill, Clones, Co. Monaghan
Tel: 047 58888 Fax: 047 58899
Email: civilcontract@clarkeltd.com
www.clarkeltd.com
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Mountnugent GWS
Keash GWS
Glangevlin GWS
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Lavagh/Ballyheelan GWS
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Tydavnet GWS
Aughnashalvey GWS
West Cavan Metering
Louth County Metering
Wexford County Metering
Co. Cavan
Co. Sligo
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22

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Monaghan
A Taking over Certificate
was issued for the
Stranooden GWS treatment
plant in early August. There
is still some landscaping and
minor civil works to be completed
at a number of other
sites in the DBO bundle,
including Churchill/Oram,
Newbliss PWS, Tydavnet,
Aughnashalvey and Killanny.
***
The results from the preliminary
Water Audit Report conducted
on all the DBO
schemes concluded with an
average UFW across all
schemes of 57%. UFW was
assessed using the minimum
night-time flow method.
Many of the schemes have
expressed concerns with the
findings in this report, stating
that the figures obtained took
account of high night usage
by poultry farms (on some
schemes) and also leakages
on the consumer side of the
meter and is, therefore, not
reflecting their true UFW.
Schemes are asked to assess
their individual schemes to
assist in calculating their true
UFW. Jean Gibson is available
to help schemes, if required.
***
A number of upgrading
works are on-going around
the county, including construction
of a new 100,000
gallon raw water reservoir at
Aughnashalvey GWS and a
similar reservoir at
Doohamlet. A valve replacement
contract is ongoing at
Corduff/Corracharra GWS
and construction is underway
of a roadway, fencing and site
works to the existing reservoir
at Glaslough/Tyholland
GWS.
***
Tydavnet GWS is laying a
new 2.2km pipeline (by directional
drilling) to augment the
supply to Tydavnet village
and facilitate construction of
about 100 houses. This project
is being funded entirely by
developers, as there is no
grant aid available.
Patrick McCabe, winner of the Stranooden GWS bursary for environmental studies, receives his parchment
from Jim Ganley of the DoEHLG. Also pictured is Stranooden GWS manager, Michael McPhillips.
***
In another development
Tydavnet GWS has set up a
laboratory to ensure continued
monitoring of drinking water
quality. The system is supplied
by Techno-Path Ltd.
***
The second Stranooden GWS
bursary has been awarded to
Patrick McCabe, a student of
Applied Environmental
Science at University College
Dublin. Stranooden introduced
the bursary award in
2002 to encourage children
of members to consider pursuing
environmental studies at
third level. The first winner
of the bursary, Andrea
Graham, successfully completed
her studies at Sligo
Institute of Technology in
2005.
The bursary was presented to
Patrick McCabe by Jim
Ganley of the Department of
the Environment, Heritage &
Local Government in his last
act in the rural water sector.
***
One of Monaghan’s bestloved
and most respected
rural water activists has
retired from his role as secretary
of Churchill & Oram
Group Water Scheme.
Friends and colleagues paid
warm tributes to the colourful
and ever-energetic Paddy
McGeough, a stalwart of
Churchill & Oram, having
served as secretary since the
scheme’s formation in 1978.
Following a tree-planting
ceremony at the treatment
plant, the occasion was
marked at a special reception
in the Glencarn Hotel,
Castleblayney.
Although stepping down as
secretary, the good news is
that Paddy will continue as a
committee member.
Outgoing secretary of Churchill & Oram GWS, Paddy McGeough was
honoured on his retirement by colleagues and friends at a tree planting
ceremony and reception.
23

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Leinster Region
by Barry Deane &
Joe Gallagher
Since contract signing in
May of this year with EPS
Ltd., the contractor has been
busy preparing their designs
for each of the schemes. The
majority of these designs
have now been sent to the
employer’s representative, T.
J. O’Connor & Associates for
their approval. EPS have
also now submitted their construction
programme for
phase one of the project. It is
hoped that construction will
be commencing on some of
the schemes in October. At
this stage all ESB applications
have also been made and
are currently being processed.
***
Most of the Advance Works
have been completed at this
stage, with one or two contracts
to be finished in the
coming weeks. At this stage
most schemes are looking at
ways to reduce their unaccounted
for water. The majority
of schemes are progressing
with universal metering,
analysing their distribution
systems and identifying problem
areas.
scheme is currently surveying
the entire network for
service connections. Meetings
were held with all schemes in
the bundle during August to
progress universal metering.
Borrmount GWS is also currently
considering a network
upgrade.
Kildare
Gormanstown GWS is currently
upgrading sections of
their scheme including
replacing old copper fittings.
The scheme is hoping that
this, along with universal
metering, will help to reduce
unaccounted for water. The
scheme met Kildare County
Council and the NFGWS in
August to look at ways of
combating UFW.
Kilkenny
Upgrades are currently complete
on Ballycallan,
Baunmore, Coolagh
Caherlesk, Kiloshulan,
Newtown/Ovenstown and
Parks Rathclevin. There are a
number of proposals for further
upgrades to Coolagh
Caherlesk and Highrath
GWS and it is hoped these
will commence in the coming
weeks. Any GWS with
upgrading proposals for the
remainder of 2006 or 2007
should contact Kilkenny
County Council as they will
soon be preparing their submission
for next year’s
allocation.
Laois
Ballacolla GWS has begun a
major upgrade on its network.
Phase one of the
upgrade is now well underway.
The group is also
installing universal metering
and bulk meters to try and
reduce UFW.
Offaly
Upgrading works have started
on Rath GWS and Killeigh
GWS. These works consist of
the laying of new mains and
extension to the schemes and
should be completed by the
end of November.
***
Reservoirs are almost complete
on Ballinagar GWS and
Bracknagh GWS. These will
supply the growing schemes
with the additional storage
that they require.
***
All GWS are encouraged to
send details into Offaly Co.
Co. of works that they wish
to complete in the coming
year. These should be submitted
before 10 November.
Schemes are asked to send in
design drawings, bill of
quantities and costs so that
they can be included in next
years RWP allocations.
Wicklow
Works on the Baltyboys
GWS pipeline is substantially
complete, with only snagging
and minor works left to be
taken care of.
Carlow & Wexford
Carlow Rural Water
Monitoring Committee met
during September. While the
number of GWS in the county
has reduced there are still a
number of very active
schemes. Although most of
the water quality issues in the
county will be dealt with
once the DBO contract is
complete, there are still a few
small schemes outside of this
process that need attention. It
was proposed that these items
should be discussed at the
next meeting of the County
Federation.
***
In Wexford, work is almost
complete on the Blackstairs
advance works contract. The
The newly constructed 250,000 gallon reservoir at Ballinagar GWS. This was built to cater for the increasing
demand on the scheme and will give the extra storage needed for further development.
24

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
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25

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Munster
Region
by Joe Gallagher &
Barry Deane
Clare
EPS has commissioned the
first two treatment plants in
the Clare DBO bundle. Both
Lissycasey GWS and
Toonagh/Dysart GWS are
now supplying treated water
to their members. Only a few
minor works and landscaping
remain to be completed.
***
Lissycasey GWS is installing
universal and bulk metering
to reduce the high amount of
unaccounted for water on the
scheme. Bulk metering is due
to start shortly and should be
completed before the end of
the year, while the universal
metering works should start
before the end of the year. A
similar metering project has
was completed this year on
Toonagh/Dysart as part of
their upgrade.
Kilmaley-Inagh Group Water
Scheme expects that its new
plant will be operational in
early October, while
Killowen is still awaiting an
ESB connection. This should
be dealt with by mid October.
Cork
A meeting of Cork South
Rural Water Monitoring
Committee over the summer
heard that upgrading is complete
on Ballintotis, Farran,
Kilcredan and Walterstown.
***
Upgrading proposals for
Ballykilty, Clonpriest, and
Quarry Hall schemes are currently
being considered.
***
Some GWS are currently
considering being taken in
charge by the local authority.
***
The Rural Water Section of
Cork South County Council
is compiling a comprehensive
GWS register that will hopefully
be completed before the
end of the year.
Back-filling the new rising main, laid as part of major upgrade work on
Lissycasey Group Water Scheme, part of the Clare DBO bundle project.
26

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
***
Work is ongoing on a number
of schemes being taken in
charge by West Cork County
Council. It is hoped that these
contracts will be completed
by the end of the year.
***
A number of schemes are
also carrying out minor
upgrades including the
Derricreveen GWS.
Upgrades are now complete
on Cappanalea and
Inchfoildaun GWS.
Limerick
Civil works have commenced
on treatment plants
across the bundle and are
progressing well. DBO
advance works are ongoing
on most schemes also.
Pipeline contracts are complete
on Lough Gur,
Caherline/Newtown and
Granagh and are almost complete
on Kilfinny GWS.
***
Process proving is almost
complete on schemes in the
first group within the DBO
bundle. This group includes
Glenstal, Bulgaden, Croagh
and Kileedy. These were
amongst the schemes to complete
the Performance
Management System course
on 6 July.
***
PMS training for the second
group of 9 schemes is to take
place on Wednesday, 25
October. Schemes are strongly
advised to take part.
Kerry
Many Kerry schemes are currently
upgrading prior to
being taken in charge or connecting
to the public mains.
Of the GWS that are remaining
private, upgrades are
almost complete on an intake
pipe and access road for
Bonane GWS. Work is ongoing
on a pipeline replacement
on Tuosist GWS. Tenders are
currently being evaluated for
a treatment plant for the
scheme. It is hoped that the
upgraded treatment works at
Kells GWS will be operational
in the coming months.
Those who attended the Performance Management System (PMS) course in Adare, County Limerick on 6 July.
27

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Michael Ryan of Fennor GWS is happy at upgrading work on the scheme.
Tipperary North
In September the Rural Water
Monitoring Committee was
introduced to Dan Downey
who has taken over from P. J.
Corrigan as Rural Water
Liaison Officer.
Dan informed the committee
that the local authority is on
target to spend all of its RWP
allocation, with upgrades
now complete on Elmhill,
Milford/Carrigahorig,
Rahealty, Ballycuddymore,
Barronstown, Graigue
Pouldine and Drumbane.
***
Compliance with the drinking
water regulations remains in
the high nineties with the latest
round of testing showing
96% GWS compliance.
Tipperary South
Fennor GWS has recently
completed a major upgrade.
This was officially opened on
7 September. GWS organiser
Michael Ryan is happy that
with the upgrade the members
will continue to enjoy a quality
drinking water supply.
Continued from page 20
Galway
On 20 and 21 September
information evenings were
held for schemes in DBO
bundle 1 to outline results
from Ryan Hanley Leakage
Control Study carried out
during the summer months
on the following GWS: Rinn
Killeeneen, Lowville,
Brierfield, Inis Meáin,
Cloonatleva, Tobberowen
Lissybroder, Ardrahan,
Ballyglass Fiddane and
Lettergesh. The main finding
was that the vast majority of
the unaccounted for water
being lost was on the consumer
side of the stopcock
box and this was also the case
in a similar study on GWS in
County Mayo [See Page 10].
***
Performance Management
(PMS) training was delivered
in July to the first six GWS in
Galway DBO 1, as well as to
TSSL staff and representatives
of Galway County
Council. The training concluded
with a demonstration
by TSSL of the Scada system
that will allow schemes to
monitor the performance of
their treatment plant on an
ongoing basis.
***
The remaining GWS in this
bundle are being invited to an
evening PMS training course
on 26 October. Following
this a Liaison Monitoring
Committee will be established
with representatives
L iability Insurance for
Group Water Schemes
Brokers: Lyons Insurance Services Limited
Underwriter: D. A. Consta ble Syndicate (Ireland) Ltd.
(Acting for D. A. Constable Syndicate 386 at Lloyds)
• Insuring Federation Members for over 15 years
• Single Combined Employers/Public Liability Policy
• Standard cover includes
Employer Liability d13,000,000
Public Liability d2,600,000
Emergency Repair Work & New House Connections
• Competitive Rates Quoted
Contact Noreen Gilligan, Lyons Insurance Services Limited
The Square, Clare m orris, Co. Mayo.
T. 094 9371511 F. 094 9371389 E. tlyons@eircom.net
from all GWS, TSSL and
Ryan Hanley participating.
***
The treatment works for
Ardrahan, Rinn Killeeneen,
Ballyglass Fiddane, New Inn,
Lowville, Cloonatleva and
Brierfield have been completed
at this stage and these are
due to be commissioned in
the coming weeks, with the
remaining plants to be completed
by the end of this year.
ESB supply remains to be
installed at a number of sites.
LYONS INSURANCE SE RVICES LT D. IS RE GU LATED BY THE IRISH FINANCIAL SE RVICES RE GU LATORY AUTHORI TY AS AN
AUTHORI SED ADVISOR
28

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
***
A short newsletter outlining
what to expect in the weeks
after their treatment plant is
commissioned was issued to
all Galway DBO 1 schemes
from the NFGWS. Schemes
were advised to circulate this
newsletter to all members.
***
Brierfield GWS will be carrying
out an additional 4.8 kms
of critical mains replacement,
following leakage study.
O’Kane contractors will carry
out this work. A tender recommendation
for advance
works (network improvements)
for Cloonluane and
Barnarusheen is currently
being prepared by Ryan
Hanley, Consulting Engineers.
***
Four contractors submitted
Expressions of Interest for the
provision of DBO treatment
plants for schemes in DBO
bundle 2. A panel was set up
to interview the four contractors
on August 21 and it was
subsequently recommended
that all four be invited to tender.
Client’s representative,
Ryan Hanleys are finalising
contract documents and these
are expected to be forwarded
to contractors before the end
of October. Following a three
month tender period, the winning
contractor should be
Simple but effective communications! On the Galway to Castlebar road.
Six schemes from the Galway DBO bundle 1 completed the Performance Management System training course on
11 July. Representatives of Galway County Council and DBO contractor TSSL were also present.
known in early 2007.
***
An information meeting for
the stand-alone schemes in
DBO 2 has been scheduled
for 18 October to update
GWS on progress to date.
***
The advance works on DBO
bundle 2 are being split into
some six contracts, due to the
large volume of works to be
completed prior to construction
of the treatment plants.
Preliminary survey work has
already been completed on a
number of sites.
***
The following amalgamations
have been completed:
1. St Clerans, Rathgorgan,
Ganty and Lisaloneeon –
have amalgamated as
Kilconierin GWS
2. Crannagh, Ballinastag and
Ballinduff Tullira – have
amalgamated as Lydacan
GWS
3. Ballinabanaba, Clonbrock
Pallas and Doone – have
amalgamated as
Ballinabanaba GWS
4. Cappataggle, Aughrim,
Carra, Cloughagalla,
Corraneena, Garrymore,
Killalaghton, Killoran and
Oatfield – have amalgamated
as Cappataggle
District Community GWS
5. Barnaderg and Gortbeg
Ballinastack – have amalgamated
as Barnaderg/
Gortbeg GWS
***
The remaining amalgamations
are being progressed at
present and are expected to
be completed before the end
of the year.
These include the proposed
amalgamation of Peterswell
GWS and Cloughan/
Castleboy GWS and of
Kilternan GWS, Castletaylor
GWS, Lisnagranchy GWS
and Lavallyconnor GWS.
***
There are 19 land acquisitions
in total to be completed and
site acquisition maps have
been issued to GWS, where
prices have been agreed. It is
important that the purchase
of sites is completed at the
earliest possible date as this
has led to delays in some
counties. A few sources
remain to be finalised and
these should be completed in
the coming weeks.
29

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
Sligo
While the offical opening
ceremonies on 20 July
proved a great success, the
group scheme sector in Sligo
has continued the massive
upgrading programme of
recent years with the installation
of meters emerging as
the priority for all schemes.
According to Rural Water
Liaison Officer, Kathleen
McTiernan, this project is
advancing satisfactorily and
Carty Construction are doing
a good job.
***
An information night was
held in the Sligo Park Hotel
on Thursday 17 August. This
addressed issues that will
arise during the Operation
and Maintenance phase of
contracts. Schemes met with
Jennings O’ Donovan and T.
J. O’ Connors to discuss technical
matters, UFW and costs
(fixed and variable).
An NFGWS representative
was on hand to address the
issue of appropriate charges
for GWS members, using the
Financial Model developed
by Federation as a guideline.
Schemes across both bundles
expressed serious concern
about the fixed costs of their
O&M contracts, in particular.
Because of the relatively low
number of households across
the Sligo projects, the fixed
element stands at a256.
Schemes want to see a significant
increase in subsidy to
offset these high costs.
***
The first Liaison Monitoring
Committee meeting for Sligo
DBO schemes will take place
in mid November. GWS representatives
and substitute
representatives who were
previously nominated will be
notified once a date is set.
***
Full marks to the Water
Services Section of Sligo
County Council for the production
of two useful leaflets
for distribution to rural water
consumers.
The first of these, issued in
May last, is titled Water
Efficiency Actions and is
geared towards farmers in
particular, providing tips on
how to reduce consumption
of a treated water supply.
The second leaflet, issued in
August, is titled Keeping
Your Unregulated Private
Water Supply Safe. This is
directed at all consumers
whose drinking water supply
doesn’t come under the terms
of the drinking water regulations
(ie schemes of less than
50 people that do not supply
a commercial or public facility).
Both leaflets are available
from Sligo County
Council or can be downloaded
from the NFGWS
website.
***
Amongst his many pleasant
duties on 20 July, Minister
Roche made a special presentation
to Eddie Doherty on
the occasion of his retirement
as maintenance officer on
Culfadda GWS.
Scheme chairperson, John
Higgins paid tribute to Mr
Doherty’s long record of
service to the group scheme.
Roscommon
Special General Meetings for
ten group water schemes in
the mid Roscommon area
were held in the Percy French
Hotel, Strokestown, on 20
September.
The SGMs were called to discuss
a proposed amalgamation
of the ten schemes into a
single co-operative, as the
first step in a major upgrade
of the water service in the
region.
The ten schemes involved
included: Ardkeenagh/Tulsk,
Carnalasson/Caggle,
Carrowcrim/Hollywell,
Derrane/Coolteigue,
Derryphatten, Four Mile
House, Grange Lower,
Ogulla, Rathmore/Ballinderry
and Shadlough.
Each scheme was well represented
on the night with over
150 people present, in total.
Presentation by Minister Roche to Eddie Doherty of Culfadda GWS. Also
pictured are Kathleen McTiernan and John Higgins.
Some of those who attended the mid Roscommon Special General
Meetings on 20 September.
At an information meeting
preceding the Special
General Meetings, details of
the proposed upgrade plan
were explained and this was
followed by a lively question
and answer session before
each scheme broke up for its
individual SGM.
On the night, eight of the ten
schemes adopted the proposals
put forward, in particular
the creation of a single amalgamated
Mid Roscommon
Co-op Society Ltd.
However, two schemes,
Derryphatten GWS and
Ballinderry GWS deferred
their decision to reconvened
meetings of their members.
Both schemes have since
agreed to the amalgamation.
Each schemes will continue
to operate as is until all
upgrading works have been
carried out.
***
This is the first (but by far the
largest) of four proposed
amalgamations of schemes
involved in the Roscommon
DBO bundle.
***
All of the existing Pilot
Disinfection Treatment
plants are now upgraded and
are back in full operational
mode. Noel Carroll of
Roscommon Federation has
been appointed to maintain
and oversee these plants and
to ensure that they are operating
properly. He is also
checking on the residual
chlorine levels at the end
points of the group schemes
and is monitoring water consumption
on the 21 GWS
involved.
This information will be
available to all the relevant
committees.
30

Rural Water News Autumn 2006
STRUCTURES OF NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF GROUP WATER SCHEMES
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes was formally established as a Co-operative Society in 1998.
OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brendan O’Mahony Chairperson John Heslin Roscommon FGWS
Michael John Kilgannon Vice-Chairperson Jimmy Walsh Laois FGWS
Tony Prendiville Secretary Tom Burke Clare FGWS
Vincent Farrelly Joint Treasurer John O’Donnell Galway FGWS
Paddy Ward Joint Treasurer Joe Harte Mayo FGWS
Michael (Mac) Boyd Monaghan FGWS
Gerald McCarthy Special Advisor
NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR/CEO
Seán Clerkin National Co-ordinator Tel.: 047-72766
24 Old Cross Square Fax: 047-72788
Monaghan Mobile: 087-2808472
E-mail: sean@nfgws.ie
DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATORS
MEMBERS
Colm Brady Senior Development Co-ordinator (Training) Tel.: 047-72766
24 Old Cross Square Mobile: 087-2300214
Monaghan
E-mail: colm@nfgws.ie
Sinéad Higgins
Senior Development Co-ordinator (Quality Assurance)
Unit 29, N17 Business Park Tel./Fax: 093-28712
Galway Rd., Mobile: 087-2930204
Tuam, County Galway
E-mail: sinead@nfgws.ie
STAFF
Barry Deane NFGWS Development Officer Tel.: 057-9328068
12 Henry Street Mobile: 087-6866099
Tullamore, County Offaly
E-mail: barry@nfgws.ie
Joe Gallagher NFGWS Development Officer Tel./Fax: 057-9328068
12 Henry Street Mobile: 087-2808471
Tullamore, County Offaly
E-mail: joe@nfgws.ie
Catríona Greaney
Karen Mulkeen
NFGWS Development Officer
Unit 29, N17 Business Park Tel./Fax: 093-28712
Galway Rd, Mobile: 087-2357157
Tuam, County Galway
E-mail: catriona@nfgws.ie
NFGWS Health & Safety Officer
Enterprise Centre Tel./Fax: 094-9381802
Aiden Street Mobile: 087-2934297
Kiltimagh, County Mayo
E-mail: karen@nfgws.ie
Brian MacDonald NFGWS Research & Evaluation Officer Tel.: 042-9742228
Boyher, Rockcorry Mobile: 087-2028051
County Monaghan
E-mail: brian@nfgws.ie
Jean Gibson NFGWS DBO Validation Officer Tel.: 047-72766
24 Old Cross Square Mobile: 087-2509225
Monaghan
E-mail: jean@nfgws.ie
Julie Brannigan NFGWS Clerical Officer Tel.: 047-72766
24 Old Cross Square Fax: 047-72788
Monaghan
E-mail: julie@nfgws.ie
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