Working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, Uisce Éireann has, in recent weeks passed crucial milestones in the delivery of the landmark wastewater project in Athlone.
The installation of almost three kilometres of new underground sewer pipes as part of the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme continues to progress, the ultimate goal of reducing the risk of sewer flooding in Athlone close to realisation, whilst further addressing non-compliant sewer overflows to the River Shannon.
Uisce Éireann, alongside its delivery partner Ward & Burke Construction, has confirmed the successful completion of the first underground crossing of the River Shannon. These tunnelling works which began in September 2023 in the Deerpark/Showgrounds area of Athlone were scheduled for completion in early 2024. The tunnel boring machine paved its way under the river, installing this critical pipeline and has now successfully arrived at Burgess Park.
The next phase of tunnelling works will commence this week from Burgess Park to Wolfe Tone Terrace which will take approximately two months to complete. Following on from these works, tunnelling will commence from Golden Island to Paynes Lane with an estimated completion date of Summer 2024.
In preparation for the tunnel boring machine reaching Paynes Lane later this year, a receiving shaft has been successful constructed at this location. Therefore, Uisce Éireann is delighted to announce the full re-opening of Paynes Lane to traffic. Paynes Lane will again need to close for a short period of time in the summer to accommodate tunnelling and connection works.
Preparation works to facilitate the underground tunnelling works will continue at several locations in Athlone, this includes the diversion of services in order to minimise the impact on the local community. These locations include The Strand car park, Abbey Road and The Quay (to the rear of Sean’s Bar ). While these works are in progress, temporary traffic management measures which have been previously communicated, will continue to be in place. Works have also commenced at Coosan West pumping station and are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2024, with the new asset coming online at the completion of the overall project.
“We are delighted that this essential capital investment for the people of Athlone is making steady progress. Completion of the first tunnel under the River Shannon is a massive milestone. We look forward to moving on to the next phase of works over the spring and into the summer months and are working hard to deliver this important project while limiting the impact on the local community,” Eunan Canavan, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said.
Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Liam McDaniel, noted his delight with the significant progress of the landmark and critical wastewater project.
“I am delighted to see the significant progress being made on this critical project in Athlone. Completion of the tunnelling under the River Shannon is an important milestone in the delivery of this project. The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure, not only for our existing population but for our future growth, is vital so that we are ready to meet the opportunities of the coming years. I would like to thank Uisce Éireann and Westmeath County Council and commend them for their hard work, 24/7, to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services,” Cllr McDaniel added.
Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme on behalf of Uisce Éireann Ltd and the scheme is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2025.
