Athlone Main Drainage Scheme
Uisce Éireann has commenced works to upgrade the sewer network in Athlone.
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, has commenced 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.
Project Update
Uisce Éireann alongside its delivery partner Ward & Burke Construction, is delighted to announce that works on the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme project 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 cut 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 stations 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.
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.
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. Pictured (l-r) are Cllr. Paul Hogan; Cllr John Dolan; Athlone-Moate MD Mayor Cllr. Frankie Keena; Cllr. Tom Farrell; Cllr. Kevin Moran.
Details of upcoming works:
Location Letters (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H & Abbey Road N) – Shaft locations shown on map above.
| Location | Start Date | End date | Planned Works | Traffic Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A&B – McQuaid’s Bridge | Monday 13th May 2024 | Friday 6th September 2024 | Directional Drilling and Cross Connections. | Road Closure, alternative diversions in place. |
| A&B – Clonown Road | Monday 20th May 2024 | Friday 27th September 2024 | Directional Drilling and Cross Connections. | Road Closure, alternative diversions in place. |
| L - The Quay – Seans Bar | Monday 24th June | Ongoing | Construction of shaft ahead of tunnelling works. | Traffic management will be in place alongside local and pedestrian access. |
| C & D – Deerpark Road Site Compound – The Showgrounds | February 2024 | Ongoing | Material storage compound to facilitate the construction works. | Traffic Management not required. |
| E – Burgess Park | Monday 3rd July 2023 | Ongoing | Construction of shaft ahead of tunnelling works. (Early 2024) | Traffic Management not required as all works taking place offline. Traffic flow as normal. |
| F & G – Golden Island Site Compound | January 2023 | Ongoing | Construction of pumping station shaft at the Golden Island compound | All works taking place offline, within compound perimeter. Site Signage in place. |
| N - Abbey Road – Radisson Blu Exit | Monday 19th August | Friday 29th November 2024 | Tunnelling of new sewer and Cross Connections. | Road Closure, alternative diversions in place. |
| M - Coosan West Pumping Station (Clonbrusk) | Monday 15th January 2024 | Q3 2024 | Construction of pumping station shaft at Clonbrusk | All works taking place offline, within compound perimeter. Site Signage in place. |
| I - Paynes Lane | Monday 8th July 2024 | Wednesday 25th September 2024 | Removal of Tunnel Boring Machine | Road Closure, alternative diversions in place. |
What are the benefits of this project?
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.
What is involved as part of this project?
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.
What are the next steps?
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.
Will there be traffic management in place?
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.
Stakeholder Engagement:
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.
