This International Day of Women in Science, we’re proud to spotlight one of the voices shaping Ireland’s water future: Triona McGrath, Research and Policy Lead at The Water Forum.
In a recent podcast with Allianz Care>, Triona discusses the current state of water management in Ireland — and where focus is urgently needed:
🔹 Ageing infrastructure — built for 3.5 million people, now serving over 5.5 million, and requiring sustained, long-term investment to modernise.
🔹 Leakage reduction — approximately 37% of treated drinking water is lost through pipes before it reaches taps. Reducing this loss is critical to strengthening supply resilience.
🔹 Climate pressures and population growth — increasing demand while more variable rainfall and extreme weather events test water supply and quality.
🔹 Public awareness — improving understanding of where water comes from and why conservation and source protection matter.
The Water Forum brings together 27 members from 16 sectors to provide consensus-based, evidence-informed advice to Government. Our shared vision is clear: clean, healthy, life-enhancing waters for all of Ireland.
We work to deliver this by:
🔹 Championing national strategies on water conservation and efficiency grounded in evidence.
🔹 Commissioning research that translates climate and water science into practical policy recommendations.
🔹 Elevating stakeholder and community voices on water quality, services and long-term resource security.
Check out the full podcast here: The WATER expert with Triona McGrath
