Athlone Main Drainage Scheme tunnels past halfway point

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section.

Elected representatives from Westmeath County Council visited the construction site of the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme in Golden Island to assess progress on this €114 million investment in wastewater infrastructure for the town.

Councillors were informed that the essential works have now surpassed the halfway mark, with 1.6km of the 2.8km underground sewer pipes installed, some of which are large enough for a person to walk through. Once complete, the project will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Athlone, whilst addressing non-compliant sewer overflows to the River.

Further progress on the project includes the completion of open trench works along The Quay. Works to the emergency outfall to the River Shannon are also nearing completion, which will enable the southern end of Burgess Park to be reopened to the public. The new pumping station at Golden Island and Coosan West are at an advanced stage and the rising main from the Golden Island pump station to the Wastewater Treatment Plant is now more than halfway finished.

Speaking about the project Eunan Canavan, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: "Constructing a 21st century underground sewerage network through the heart of a historic, riverside town like Athlone comes with many challenges. The highly skilled project team is working hard on the ground to deliver these works safely and efficiently. While most of the construction is taking place underground using micro-tunnelling to minimise disruption, we recognise that delivering works of this scale can have an impact on the community. We’d like to thank the people of Athlone for their patience and continued support as we deliver this vital infrastructure for the long-term benefit of the town."

The next phase of the project involves tunnelling works at Abbey Road and the Strand; remobilising at The Strand carpark in October; and the crossing of the upper River Shannon. Construction of the final tunnelling shaft at the rear of Sean’s Bar is also due to commence within the next month. Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering this project on behalf of Uisce Éireann Ltd and remains on track for completion by the end of 2025.

Cllr Frankie Keena, Mayor of Athlone-Moate Municipal District commended the progress made so far on the project, paying tribute to those involved. He said "The Athlone Main Drainage Scheme, one of the largest capital investment projects of its kind in the country, is a remarkable feat of engineering. It presents an excellent opportunity to be showcased to students nationwide. It’s also a positive news story for the town of Athlone. While most of the work is taking place underground, the benefits will be felt throughout the community for years to come. I’d like to commend Uisce Éireann and their project partners Ward & Burke for passing the halfway point in this very important project.’

Uisce Éireann will continue to engage with the local community throughout the duration of the project. For more information on this project, visit our dedicate Project Page.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.