Major progress as Athlone main drainage tunnelling works now complete

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

The Athlone Main Drainage Scheme is moving towards completion, with all tunnelling works now fully finished and reinstatement works underway across the town. Works along The Quays have also been completed, marking another milestone in the delivery of this critical project. 

At Golden Island, the pumping station shaft construction works are fully complete, with mechanical and electrical installations progressing well. The control building for the pumping station is also substantially complete, with only final fit-out works remaining. The Coosan West Pumping Station is also now in operation, providing enhanced wastewater management capacity for the area. The project remains on schedule for completion this year, with flows set to be turned into the new sewer network by October. 

Cross-connection works between the existing and the new network are ongoing at various locations around the town. The Strand Carpark will now be reopened in October. This extension will allow the project team to complete works and demobilise safely, minimising the need for future disruption in the carpark.

The Athlone Main Drainage project team will also be carrying out public realm enhancements on Custume Place, which were designated under the Church Street Improvement Works. These works, which are expected to commence in October, will further revitalise the area, creating a more attractive space for the community.    

Commenting on the progress, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager Eunan Canavan said: ‘We are grateful to the community for their continued patience as we reach the final stages of this transformative project. The Athlone Main Drainage Scheme will significantly improve the capacity and resilience of the wastewater infrastructure, ensuring Athlone is well prepared for future growth and development, while also reducing the risk of sewer flooding, improving the water quality in the River Shannon and supporting a cleaner, healthier environment.’ 

The Athlone Main Drainage Scheme is one of Uisce Éireann’s largest projects to date, representing an investment of €114m. The project involved the construction of new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, and almost 3km of new large trunk sewers. The existing under-performing pumping stations and pipework will be decommissioned. Combined sewer overflows have been eliminated at six locations along the River Shannon and replaced by two new stormwater overflows designed to meet current licencing standards, improving water quality, and protecting the environment.  

Works have taken 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. The new sewers were installed using trenchless technology, meaning that a significant proportion of the construction took place underground without the need for open-cut excavation. 

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