In a statement issued this week Irish Water, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is progressing the Athlone Main Drainage Sewer network upgrade project to safeguard the environment and provide for future growth and development in the town.
When completed, the project will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Athlone and reduce sewer overflows to the River Shannon and also improve the capacity of the sewer network, allowing for current and future population growth and economic development.
The project involves the construction of new pumping stations in Golden Island and Coosan West, and the construction of almost 3km of sewer network. It will also involve the removal of six existing overflows and the construction of two new overflows designed to Irish Water standards as well as connecting the new and existing sewer networks together.
Irish Water will issue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO ) for the lands and wayleaves necessary to complete the works. The CPO, which is essential for the delivery of the project, will be published in the coming months, subject to Covid-19 restrictions. It is expected that works will begin in the second half of 2022 and information events for businesses, residents and elected representatives will be held prior to the commencement of works.
“Irish Water is continuing to progress this project to upgrade Athlone’s wastewater infrastructure. The Athlone Main Drainage Sewer Network Upgrade project will safeguard the environment by reducing sewer overflows to the River Shannon. It will ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses in Athlone and surrounding areas whilst also providing capacity for future growth and development,” Eunan Canavan, Irish Water, informed the Athlone Advertiser.
Irish Water has already invested €5.6 million to increase the capacity of the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant from 30,000 to 36,000 Population Equivalent (PE ).
