Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, continues to progress the Athlone Main Drainage project to safeguard the environment and provide for future growth and development in the town.
This project represents a further step in the continued delivery of improvements to the wastewater infrastructure in the town, having already invested €5.6 million to upgrade Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant.
When completed, this project will significantly improve water quality in the River Shannon by removing non-compliant overflows. It will also increase the capacity of the sewer network, providing for future population growth and economic development, and reduce the risk of sewer flooding in homes and business premises.
The project involves the construction of new pumping stations in Golden Island and Coosan West, the construction of almost 3km of new sewers, and decommissioning of the existing under-performing pumping stations and pipework. Combined sewer overflows will be eliminated at six locations along the River Shannon and replaced by two new overflows designed to Uisce Éireann standards, protecting the integrity of the local environment.
As part of this project, works are taking place in the following locations - Golden Island, West Bank (The Quay ), West Side, Abbey Road, Coosan West, The Strand, Burgess Park, Payne’s, Wolfe Tone Terrace, Deer Park, Custume Place, and two separate tunnelled crossings under the River Shannon.
The new sewers are being installed using tunnelling techniques where feasible to. Crews continue to make every effort to minimise the impact of these works on local businesses and residents. Where feasible, the new sewers will be installed using trenchless technology, meaning construction will take place underground without the need for open-cut excavation.
The project is due for completion in late 2025. Uisce Éireann is continuing to liaise with the Office of Public Works (OPW ) on its Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme Project. We will work together to ensure proper coordination between the OPW’s project and the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme, including ensuring there is minimal impact on the community. A dedicated Community Liaison Officer has also been appointed for the duration of this project and is available to answer any questions on the project to local stakeholders.
Latest Schedule of Works
Burgess Park
Construction of a shaft ahead of tunnelling works. Traffic management not required. Traffic flow as normal. Works commenced on Monday, 3 July, and will take approximately seven weeks to complete.
Custume Place
Trial holing has now been completed at Custume Place ahead of tunnelling works.
Deerpark Road – Canal crossing
Construction of two shafts on Deerpark Road, on either side of the canal, ahead of tunnelling works. Road closure at Deerpark and Canal Banks roads at the canal crossing, effective until 8pm on July 28. Diversion routes and signage have been put in place.
Abbey Road/Coosan
Site set-up of compound area at this location. All works taking place within the hoarding perimeter with no traffic management required. Traffic flow as normal. Works began in June and remain ongoing.
Deerpark Road Compound/The Meadows
Continuing with shaft construction works. Traffic management is not required. Traffic flow as normal. Works began in March 2023 and are ongoing.
Golden Island
Continuing temporary cofferdam works ahead of pumping shaft construction works at the Golden Island compound. All works taking place within the compound perimeter. Site signage in place. Works commenced in January 2023 and are presently ongoing.
