Athlone Main Drainage Scheme

Uisce Éireann is progressing works to upgrade the sewer network in Athlone.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is progressing works to upgrade the Athlone sewer network. When completed, this project will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Athlone and address non-compliant sewer overflows into the River Shannon. It will also improve the capacity of the sewer network allowing for current and future population growth.

Currently, there are 18 storm water overflows within the Athlone Town main drainage system. There is frequent out of sewer flooding in the town due to insufficient capacity within the collection system. Additionally, the collection system has insufficient capacity to accommodate future population growth.

The existing overflows spill untreated wastewater into the River Shannon, which is designated as a sensitive area. 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. This project will support a growing population, ensure compliance with the UWWTD and the EPA Wastewater Discharge Licence, and improve and protect the River Shannon.

Ward and Burke Construction Ltd. is delivering the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

The multimillion-euro Athlone Main Drainage Scheme has hit another key milestone with the completion of a second underwater tunnel beneath the River Shannon, linking the town’s sewer network from east to west.

Guided by expert diving and tunnelling crews from Ward & Burke Construction, the giant tunnel boring machine was lowered into an 8-metre-deep launch shaft on the river’s east bank at the Strand Car Park. It carved its way through gravel and rock, beneath the riverbed and re-emerged 22 days later at the receiving shaft outside Sean’s Bar on the west side.  To watch how this significant tunnelling project was completed, click on the video below.

The works, which began in 2023, are now over 80% complete. Shaft construction is fully complete, and the final phase of tunnelling from the Strand Carpark is well underway. Cross connection works, to facilitate the connection of the existing and new sewer networks, will continue at various locations around the town in the coming months. Testing and commissioning of the Coosan West Pump Station is also ongoing, and commissioning of the new terminal pumping station in Golden Island will be carried out in the Summer.

Location letters (H, J&K, C&D, E, F&G, L, M) – Shaft locations shown on map above.

The works carried out as part of this project will:

• Reduce the risk of overflows and out of sewer flooding through the provision of increased sewer sizes.
• Improve the water quality in the River Shannon.
• Increase the capacity of the sewer network allowing for development and population growth in Athlone.
• Ensure compliance with Irish and EU wastewater legislation.

The upgrade works carried out as part of this project will involve:

• Constructing new pumping stations in Golden Island and Coosan West
• Installing over 2.8 km of sewer network
• Decommissioning five existing pumping stations
• Decommission six existing stormwater overflows
• Constructing two new stormwater overflows designed to Uisce Éireann standards
• Connecting the new and existing sewer network together

As part of this project works will take place in the following locations: 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 are being installed using tunnelling techniques where feasible to minimise the impact on traffic in the town.

Contractor design and mobilisation commenced in January 2023. Shaft preparation works are now underway ahead of tunnelling to install the new sewer pipework, and works are also progressing at the Golden Island compound where a new pumping station and stormwater holding tank are being constructed.

Works on the project are due for completion in late 2025. We will endeavour to keep you updated as the project progresses

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.

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.

As some works will be required along public roads, the project will require Traffic Management measures. Required traffic management to undertake the works safely will be developed in consultation with Westmeath County Council Roads Department. See details of upcoming works and associated traffic management measure below.

Typical traffic management measures may include temporary traffic lights, stop/go systems, road closures and diversions. Signs will be erected in advance of works commencing to ensure road users are aware of current and upcoming traffic measures.

Local access and emergency access will always be maintained and regular engagement with the community is planned throughout the project duration. We will provide further information on traffic management measures as the project progresses.

A dedicated Community Liaison Officer has been appointed for the duration of this project. If you require further information regarding the works, please contact Meghan on athlonemd@wardandburke.com or 086 176 1401.