A landmark capital investment by Uisce Éireann to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure will “future-proof” a reliable supply of high quality water for generations to come, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, stated this week.
The €114 million project, set to commence in the coming weeks, will safeguard the environment, enhance water quality in the River Shannon, enable future growth and development and will also improve the capacity and operational performance of the existing sewers, significantly reducing the risk of sewer flooding to homes and businesses.
The Athlone Main Drainage Project involves the construction of new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, and almost three kilometres of new sewers. The existing under-performing pumping stations and pipework will be decommissioned and combined sewer overflows will be eliminated at six locations along the River Shannon to be replaced by two new stormwater overflows designed to meet current licencing standards, improving water quality and safeguarding the environment.
This project represents a further step in the continued delivery of improvements to the wastewater infrastructure in Athlone, having already invested a further €5.6 million to upgrade the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant.
‘Staggering’ Financial Investment
Welcoming the announcing, Cllr O’Rourke, noted that the investment was essential to ensure Athlone’s growth and development as a Regional Growth Centre under the National Planning Framework.
“The project as a whole and the substantial sum of money involved is on a different level to what Athlone has experienced previously. As a rapidly growing town, both economically and population wise, we need this investment. To be honest, we needed it twenty years ago, but this plan will serve to future-proof the town for generations to come in terms of a reliable supply of high-quality clean water.
“Just as important as reliable clean water will be our ability to deal with our sewage through state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants built to the highest possible standard. This investment will see an end to the sewage and storm water overflows into the River Shannon and canal in Athlone. Currently, there are 19 locations where this occurs. Our underground sewage infrastructure is Victorian, it has collapsed in many places and it is a combined system with our storm drains, so contamination is a regular problem.
“This major Uisce Éireann project will see an end to these issues once and for all. Athlone needs this investment, as the business capital of the Midlands, our town has huge potential for further economic growth and development. City status must be our ambition for Athlone. Therefore, we need to continually invest in our town’s infrastructure and public services in order to achieve and build the kind of foundations and environment that brings on, facilitates and encourages growth.
“While a project of this scale is underway naturally there will be some disruption and inconvenience in and around the town for the duration of the works. I am adamant that there will be many opportunities for public consultation with Uisce Éireann and their contractors before works commence and ongoing interaction while works are underway,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
Regional Infrastructure Delivery Lead at Uisce Éireann, Eunan Canavan, spoke positively, noting his the desire of Uisce Éireann to deliver the project on behalf of the local community in Athlone.
“This project will enhance the local environment by alleviating sewer flooding and improving water quality in the Shannon for angling, water sports and marine life. It will also ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses while providing capacity for current and future growth and development.”
The River Shannon is a designated Nutrient Sensitive Area (NSA ) and Athlone town is one of the locations cited in a European Court Judgement Case against the State for failure to comply with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD ) regarding the discharge of untreated stormwater into sensitive areas.
The Athlone Main Drainage Project will not only ensure compliance with the UWWTD and the EPA Wastewater Discharge Licence, but will safeguard the River Shannon and local environment for current and future generations.
Works Locations
Works will take place at a number of locations across Athlone including Golden Island, West Bank (The Quay ), West Side, Abbey Road, Coosan West, The Strand, Burgess Park, Payne’s Lane, and two separate tunnelled crossings under the River Shannon. Crews will make every effort to minimise the impact of these works on the local community and where possible, the new sewers will be installed using trenchless technology, meaning that a significant proportion of the construction will take place underground without the need for open-cut excavation. The project will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd and is expected to be completed in late 2025.
