About Us
Our Origins & Location
KGWS is located in a rural area approximately equidistant from Loughrea, Athenry and Craughwell. In 2008 our Co-op was established as an amalgamation of 4 local group water schemes that were each founded towards the end of the 1970’s. The four schemes serving local communities at that time were St. Cleran’s, Rathgorgan, Lissalondoon and Ganty. All were developed as local responses to the urgent need to bring ‘piped’ water into rural homes and farms. They were in place with named Trustees at the helm who had the responsibility to manage and operate the schemes. All of the personnel were volunteers who gave of their time and resources in the interests of the running of the water schemes on behalf of their neighbours.
From Four Schemes to One Cooperative
Over a period of three decades many developments affected the operation of group schemes. These ranged from substantial increase in rural housing development to an increasing requirement to manage water quality and water leaks. Various legislative and regulatory requirements by Local Authorities and Health Boards were increasingly focusing on reliability of water sources, regular quality testing and management accountability.
In 2008, in association with the schemes, Ryan Hanley, (Consultant Engineers) and Galway Co. Council prepared a design report for the upgrading, maintenance and operation of a water scheme based on a merger of the four. With the support of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the four smaller group schemes amalgamated into the Kilconieron G.W.S Co-operative Society Ltd. Interconnecting pipes were installed to join these neighbouring schemes and some older pipework was replaced. Our modern treatment facility was built in a central location on the R349 and meters were installed on all domestic and land connections. In 2009 we signed a 20 year contract with Glan Aqua (now Glanua) for water treatment and operation of our scheme at the treatment facility.
How we Operate Today
Membership & Connections
- 182 Members (124 domestic, 38 domestic & land, 20 land only)
- 222 Metered Connections
Network & Reach
- 20 km Distribution Network
- 13 End Points
- Approximately 420 Consumers
We operate as a Co-operative, registered with the Register of Friendly Societies (Reg No 5446R) and where each member is an equal shareholder. We are affiliated to the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and participate in training and conferences arranged by the Federation.
Governance & Membership
At our Annual General Meeting a Board of members is nominated to manage the Co-op and from that Board a committee of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer is elected. We employ a Manager on a part-time basis and who has the responsibility for accounts, billing, changes in connections and general overview of our water service. Our financial accounts are audited annually and are submitted to the Register of Friendly Societies and to the Water Services of Galway Co. Council.
