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. It will 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 three kilometres 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.
Consultations have been on-going with landowners, however, Irish Water was unable to acquire all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis and has submitted an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO ) to An Bord Pleanála. The CPO, which is essential for the delivery of this project and pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended ), is needed to allow Irish Water to formally obtain the necessary lands and wayleaves required for this project. The public notice for the CPO will also be published in the local newspapers.
The timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the CPO statutory approvals, however, it is expected that the construction contract will be signed 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, said.
Irish Water has already invested €5.6m to increase the capacity of the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant from 30,000 to 36,000 Population Equivalent (PE ). These works were completed in June 2018.
