AGM 2026
Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Ltd.
Annual General Meeting
8:30pm, 22th June 2026
Killeen Community Centre
Draft minutes
Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme Co-operative Society Ltd.
Annual General Meeting
8:30pm, 22th June 2026
Killeen Community Centre
Draft minutes
Present at AGM:
[redacted]
The chair Sal O'Malley opens the meeting and welcomes all.
Minutes:
The secretary reads out the minutes of the previous AGM in 2025.
A member raises the issue of last year's AGM decision to raise water charges and objects to the jump from €1.10 to €1.50. The decision was made by the members in 2025 and is not discussed now.
The minutes are proposed by Patricia. They are seconded by JD.
Chairperson's Address:
Sal delivers her chairperson address. She thanks everybody who contributes to the success of the scheme not least those who have to go out at all times of the day or night, whatever the weather for maintenance. The scheme is in the process of capital investment to upgrade the scheme and she thanks everybody who have paid their contribution in time. Sal urges continued vigilance for leaks and wastage. The board needs more members interested in joining.
Auditor's Report:
John O'Toole presents the account for 2025. There is a small and healthy loss of €18k. The auditors have not found any issues.
A member wonders if maintenance works should be capitalised. John explains that in his opinion this would not be useful or necessary.
Proposed by Ian and seconded by Majella.
It is proposed to retain O'Sullivans as auditors. Patricia proposes and Mary seconds.
Managers’ Report:
Fiona presents the managers' report:
In the last twelve months, Killeen Group Water Scheme has continued to deliver and worked tirelessly on improving the quality of water and service, delivered to customers and protecting our water supply and the environment. We have continued to do so by using all resources available to us in an effective and efficient manner. Killeen GWS is responsible for the source and the pipework to the plant. Glanua are responsible for the treatment plant and Killeen GWS is for the entire 40km network which delivers treated water to all members on the scheme.
It has been a busy twelve months with progress made on several issues.
Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 – Department approval was announced in August 2025 for funding of €1,360,000 under the programme subject to a local contribution of €240,000 being raised from the scheme members.
SDS engineering in Castlebar have been appointed to procure a contractor and to manage the project. The contract overall is overseen by Mayo County Council on behalf of Killeen GWS. We are extremely busy engaging with these stakeholders to assist them in gathering all the information they need to go to tender.
The works include a 10km replacement of sections of the 6 inch main artery from the plant which is essential to the supply of every connection on the scheme, a 700m replacement of pipe in Feenone, a 1.6km replacement of pipe in Killadoon, together with the installation of further Bulk Meters, Scour Valves, and Fire Hydrants where necessary.
Funding for these works is given by the Department at 85% of the costs with an obligation on the members to pay a Capital Replacement Charge of 15%. This Charge must be paid by each member as per the rules of the GWS. Failure to pay will result in the grant being forfeited and the works not being completed.
Source Protection
As a community-based group water scheme, we are vigilant in protecting our source Lough Cumnel. This involves regular visits to the lake for monitoring, and a monthly system of Raw Water testing is now being carried out on our behalf by Complete Laboratory Solutions. This sample is taken at the plant, hence the need for regular visual inspections at the lake. This work is a follow on from the Yield assessment report which we had caried out in 2024 and is in conjunction with national policy on Source Protection.
Maintenance on the Scheme – Killeen GWS appreciate that ongoing maintenance and upgrade works are essential to ensure that the scheme continues to deliver a high-quality water supply to its members. This maintenance programme is managed and implemented by Patrick O’Malley and Austin Francis O’Malley and focuses on leak prevention and detection. This is critical as the plant cannot produce a limitless amount of water, failure to control the demand on the plant results in loss of pressure or supply.
There are 13 remote loggers on the mains throughout the scheme which are monitored every morning. These loggers are critical in trying to manage leakage/wastage on the network, I monitor the loggers every morning and notify the reads to Austin Francis and Patrick. Any variances result in a text notification issuing to members to check their connections for leakage/wastage. It also necessitates our team manually investigating the network and connections, this is a laborious time intensive operation, and we encourage all members to be vigilant and to assist us at all times.
Knockeen, Furmoyle Connection – Killeen GWS are very proud of providing a solution to the lack of a suitable drinking supply for the residents of Knockeen. We approached Mayo County Council on numerous occasions about their plight and eventually we were told in 2024, that by their costings, it was too expensive a piece of work to be given grant assistance. This was a major setback, but the scheme went back to the drawing board, applied for planning permission, costed it to do it locally and set connection fees accordingly. It was a very proud day for the Board when water was turned on in Knockeen.
GlanNua – We are members of the Mayo Design Build Operate 1 group in Mayo and the Local Monitoring Committee, in conjunction with other schemes in Mayo and Glanua. The LMC consists of all the Mayo GWS and GlanNua, Austin Francis is chairman of this committee, and we both attend meetings of both groups on a bimonthly basis.
Through our persistence at these meetings, we have recently received confirmation that the cost of replacing the membranes in the treatment plant will be borne as a capital cost and not out of our revenue budget which had been the provision heretofore. This is a vital change as the membranes are overdue for replacement and the scheme cannot afford to cover the cost of same.
GlanNua continue to operate and maintain the plant on our behalf. We have an excellent working relationship with their team, and they produce monthly monitoring reports to us. Outside of these reports we are continuously raising issues such as the replacement of the membranes at the plant and the variances in Chlorine readings on the network, which we monitor daily. A large amount of time is spent by the scheme, ensuring that there is a sufficient flow of raw water into the plant. This flow can be interrupted by poor pressure, blockages and leaks at various times.
Chlorine Testing – We monitor the daily chlorine levels at the plant and carry out daily testing of chlorine levels at two domestic locations further down the scheme. This is carried out by Austin Francis O’Malley and Jackie Hedley to whom the scheme is extremely grateful. This monitoring allows us to ensure that the treatment of the supply is proper and compliant with statutory regulations by enabling us to notify Glanua if adjustments are necessary. Our results are also used by the HSE and Mayo County Council for confirmation that illness in the area didn’t come from the water supply.
Collection of Water Charges and Capital Replacement Charges
Traditionally the members of Killeen GWS have an excellent history of paying for their water consumption and capital charges and the board would like to acknowledge that with thanks.
The scheme appreciates that the €600 for the capital charge was a big ask for some people and that it was at short notice, but this was beyond the control of the scheme. Because of this, we agreed that the charge could be paid off in instalments over a period of 6 months. This is still available to any members who have an outstanding balance.
Water Charges and Capital Charges must be paid by each member of the scheme when they fall due, failure to pay can result in a member being expelled from the scheme and their water supply being disconnected.
National Federation of Group Water Schemes – The scheme uses the resources of the federation to ensure that the services we provide to our members achieve the highest standards in terms of water quality and consumer service. The Federation works in partnership with government departments, local authorities and other state and non-state stakeholders to deliver support services to us, such as advice, mentoring and training. In 2025 we were proud to receive a national award at the GWS Excellence Awards. Board members and staff have attended the national conference and various training courses. Killeen is fortunate to have a member of our Board on the national executive of the Federation. This gives us a strong representation which is availed of at every opportunity by our representative Patricia Needham.
Water Refill Station – It has been a resounding success with regular usage. This is an excellent benefit to our community and is being used by locals and visitors alike, usage is monitored, as this connection is metered like all others on the scheme. As arranged by the NFGWS the refill station is now part of a maintenance schedule by Ecofil to ensure it is kept up to standard.
Fiona reiterates that members who do not pay the capital charge can and will be disconnected.
A member mentions their observation that some households are illegally connected to the scheme by tapping into a field connection. Majella explains that this has no advantage as there is no free water allowance for field connections and te long term costs would be considerably higher. The member is advised to speak to the managers or a board member in private with details and board and management will investigate.
A member asks if there is a defined and specified target for leakage reduction. The target is to get leakage as low as possible and the current upgrading works and the capital investment will greatly help with that.
Another question is whether the new pipe will follow the same route as the old. Patrick explains that it will in general follow the same route with some small changes.
A member refers to obscure grievances dating back more than four decades regarding material quality.
Election of Members to the Board:
Patrick McDonald is a candidate for the board and duly proposed.
Under the rules of the scheme Sal O'Malley, Majella Tiernan, and Patricia Needham resigned from the board. They stand for re-election. The election is conducted as a secret ballot. In order to be elected a candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes cast in order to be elected.
19 eligible members are present. All votes are valid.
Patrick McDonald Yes: 17 No: 2
Patricia Needham Yes: 18 No: 1
Sal O'Malley Yes: 18 No: 1
Majella Tiernan Yes: 19 No: 0
All four candidates are elected to the board.
Water Charges:
The price per cbm is still below cost price but the board does not propose to increase the price for water this year.
KGWS Charter:
Egbert introduces the board's draft of the "Charter of Rights, Duties and Responsibilities for Member-Owners of Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme Co-op LTD (Killeen Group Water Scheme)" and recommends it for adoption. The charter reflects the unique structure of the scheme as a community owned water utility where the consumers are the business owners. The charter reflects the dual role of members.
The draft charter has been made available to members before the AGM and hardcopies are available at the meeting.
The chair opens the floor for questions and discussion. After a small number of questions and comments Séamus proposes to adopt the charter and Ian seconds.
The charter will be published in its final form on the website.
A.O.B.
No issues.
The chair thanks everybody and closes the meeting at 22:00.
[redacted]
The chair Sal O'Malley opens the meeting and welcomes all.
Minutes:
The secretary reads out the minutes of the previous AGM in 2025.
A member raises the issue of last year's AGM decision to raise water charges and objects to the jump from €1.10 to €1.50. The decision was made by the members in 2025 and is not discussed now.
The minutes are proposed by Patricia. They are seconded by JD.
Chairperson's Address:
Sal delivers her chairperson address. She thanks everybody who contributes to the success of the scheme not least those who have to go out at all times of the day or night, whatever the weather for maintenance. The scheme is in the process of capital investment to upgrade the scheme and she thanks everybody who have paid their contribution in time. Sal urges continued vigilance for leaks and wastage. The board needs more members interested in joining.
Auditor's Report:
John O'Toole presents the account for 2025. There is a small and healthy loss of €18k. The auditors have not found any issues.
A member wonders if maintenance works should be capitalised. John explains that in his opinion this would not be useful or necessary.
Proposed by Ian and seconded by Majella.
It is proposed to retain O'Sullivans as auditors. Patricia proposes and Mary seconds.
Managers’ Report:
Fiona presents the managers' report:
In the last twelve months, Killeen Group Water Scheme has continued to deliver and worked tirelessly on improving the quality of water and service, delivered to customers and protecting our water supply and the environment. We have continued to do so by using all resources available to us in an effective and efficient manner. Killeen GWS is responsible for the source and the pipework to the plant. Glanua are responsible for the treatment plant and Killeen GWS is for the entire 40km network which delivers treated water to all members on the scheme.
It has been a busy twelve months with progress made on several issues.
Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 – Department approval was announced in August 2025 for funding of €1,360,000 under the programme subject to a local contribution of €240,000 being raised from the scheme members.
SDS engineering in Castlebar have been appointed to procure a contractor and to manage the project. The contract overall is overseen by Mayo County Council on behalf of Killeen GWS. We are extremely busy engaging with these stakeholders to assist them in gathering all the information they need to go to tender.
The works include a 10km replacement of sections of the 6 inch main artery from the plant which is essential to the supply of every connection on the scheme, a 700m replacement of pipe in Feenone, a 1.6km replacement of pipe in Killadoon, together with the installation of further Bulk Meters, Scour Valves, and Fire Hydrants where necessary.
Funding for these works is given by the Department at 85% of the costs with an obligation on the members to pay a Capital Replacement Charge of 15%. This Charge must be paid by each member as per the rules of the GWS. Failure to pay will result in the grant being forfeited and the works not being completed.
Source Protection
As a community-based group water scheme, we are vigilant in protecting our source Lough Cumnel. This involves regular visits to the lake for monitoring, and a monthly system of Raw Water testing is now being carried out on our behalf by Complete Laboratory Solutions. This sample is taken at the plant, hence the need for regular visual inspections at the lake. This work is a follow on from the Yield assessment report which we had caried out in 2024 and is in conjunction with national policy on Source Protection.
Maintenance on the Scheme – Killeen GWS appreciate that ongoing maintenance and upgrade works are essential to ensure that the scheme continues to deliver a high-quality water supply to its members. This maintenance programme is managed and implemented by Patrick O’Malley and Austin Francis O’Malley and focuses on leak prevention and detection. This is critical as the plant cannot produce a limitless amount of water, failure to control the demand on the plant results in loss of pressure or supply.
There are 13 remote loggers on the mains throughout the scheme which are monitored every morning. These loggers are critical in trying to manage leakage/wastage on the network, I monitor the loggers every morning and notify the reads to Austin Francis and Patrick. Any variances result in a text notification issuing to members to check their connections for leakage/wastage. It also necessitates our team manually investigating the network and connections, this is a laborious time intensive operation, and we encourage all members to be vigilant and to assist us at all times.
Knockeen, Furmoyle Connection – Killeen GWS are very proud of providing a solution to the lack of a suitable drinking supply for the residents of Knockeen. We approached Mayo County Council on numerous occasions about their plight and eventually we were told in 2024, that by their costings, it was too expensive a piece of work to be given grant assistance. This was a major setback, but the scheme went back to the drawing board, applied for planning permission, costed it to do it locally and set connection fees accordingly. It was a very proud day for the Board when water was turned on in Knockeen.
GlanNua – We are members of the Mayo Design Build Operate 1 group in Mayo and the Local Monitoring Committee, in conjunction with other schemes in Mayo and Glanua. The LMC consists of all the Mayo GWS and GlanNua, Austin Francis is chairman of this committee, and we both attend meetings of both groups on a bimonthly basis.
Through our persistence at these meetings, we have recently received confirmation that the cost of replacing the membranes in the treatment plant will be borne as a capital cost and not out of our revenue budget which had been the provision heretofore. This is a vital change as the membranes are overdue for replacement and the scheme cannot afford to cover the cost of same.
GlanNua continue to operate and maintain the plant on our behalf. We have an excellent working relationship with their team, and they produce monthly monitoring reports to us. Outside of these reports we are continuously raising issues such as the replacement of the membranes at the plant and the variances in Chlorine readings on the network, which we monitor daily. A large amount of time is spent by the scheme, ensuring that there is a sufficient flow of raw water into the plant. This flow can be interrupted by poor pressure, blockages and leaks at various times.
Chlorine Testing – We monitor the daily chlorine levels at the plant and carry out daily testing of chlorine levels at two domestic locations further down the scheme. This is carried out by Austin Francis O’Malley and Jackie Hedley to whom the scheme is extremely grateful. This monitoring allows us to ensure that the treatment of the supply is proper and compliant with statutory regulations by enabling us to notify Glanua if adjustments are necessary. Our results are also used by the HSE and Mayo County Council for confirmation that illness in the area didn’t come from the water supply.
Collection of Water Charges and Capital Replacement Charges
Traditionally the members of Killeen GWS have an excellent history of paying for their water consumption and capital charges and the board would like to acknowledge that with thanks.
The scheme appreciates that the €600 for the capital charge was a big ask for some people and that it was at short notice, but this was beyond the control of the scheme. Because of this, we agreed that the charge could be paid off in instalments over a period of 6 months. This is still available to any members who have an outstanding balance.
Water Charges and Capital Charges must be paid by each member of the scheme when they fall due, failure to pay can result in a member being expelled from the scheme and their water supply being disconnected.
National Federation of Group Water Schemes – The scheme uses the resources of the federation to ensure that the services we provide to our members achieve the highest standards in terms of water quality and consumer service. The Federation works in partnership with government departments, local authorities and other state and non-state stakeholders to deliver support services to us, such as advice, mentoring and training. In 2025 we were proud to receive a national award at the GWS Excellence Awards. Board members and staff have attended the national conference and various training courses. Killeen is fortunate to have a member of our Board on the national executive of the Federation. This gives us a strong representation which is availed of at every opportunity by our representative Patricia Needham.
Water Refill Station – It has been a resounding success with regular usage. This is an excellent benefit to our community and is being used by locals and visitors alike, usage is monitored, as this connection is metered like all others on the scheme. As arranged by the NFGWS the refill station is now part of a maintenance schedule by Ecofil to ensure it is kept up to standard.
Fiona reiterates that members who do not pay the capital charge can and will be disconnected.
A member mentions their observation that some households are illegally connected to the scheme by tapping into a field connection. Majella explains that this has no advantage as there is no free water allowance for field connections and te long term costs would be considerably higher. The member is advised to speak to the managers or a board member in private with details and board and management will investigate.
A member asks if there is a defined and specified target for leakage reduction. The target is to get leakage as low as possible and the current upgrading works and the capital investment will greatly help with that.
Another question is whether the new pipe will follow the same route as the old. Patrick explains that it will in general follow the same route with some small changes.
A member refers to obscure grievances dating back more than four decades regarding material quality.
Election of Members to the Board:
Patrick McDonald is a candidate for the board and duly proposed.
Under the rules of the scheme Sal O'Malley, Majella Tiernan, and Patricia Needham resigned from the board. They stand for re-election. The election is conducted as a secret ballot. In order to be elected a candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes cast in order to be elected.
19 eligible members are present. All votes are valid.
Patrick McDonald Yes: 17 No: 2
Patricia Needham Yes: 18 No: 1
Sal O'Malley Yes: 18 No: 1
Majella Tiernan Yes: 19 No: 0
All four candidates are elected to the board.
Water Charges:
The price per cbm is still below cost price but the board does not propose to increase the price for water this year.
KGWS Charter:
Egbert introduces the board's draft of the "Charter of Rights, Duties and Responsibilities for Member-Owners of Lough Cumnel Group Water Scheme Co-op LTD (Killeen Group Water Scheme)" and recommends it for adoption. The charter reflects the unique structure of the scheme as a community owned water utility where the consumers are the business owners. The charter reflects the dual role of members.
The draft charter has been made available to members before the AGM and hardcopies are available at the meeting.
The chair opens the floor for questions and discussion. After a small number of questions and comments Séamus proposes to adopt the charter and Ian seconds.
The charter will be published in its final form on the website.
A.O.B.
No issues.
The chair thanks everybody and closes the meeting at 22:00.