Athlone Main Drainage Scheme

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

Uisce Éireann 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.

There were 18 storm water overflows within the Athlone Town main drainage system, resulting in frequent out of sewer flooding in the town due to insufficient capacity within the collection system. Additionally, the collection system had insufficient capacity to accommodate future population growth.

The overflows were causing spills of 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 project is now in its final stages. All cross connections and the turning of flows to new pipeline around the town have been successfully completed. Works at the Golden Island site are also finished, including the construction of a new administration building for the pump station. The realignment of the Civic Amenity Centre access road has also been completed.  As weather conditions improve, the project team will shift focus to reinstatement works at Golden Island and to restoring Burgess Park and returning it to the local community.

Details of upcoming works: 

Location letters shown on the map above indicate shaft locations.

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.

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.