Midlands Town One Step Closer To Reducing The Risk Of Sewer Flooding

Friday, 1 March 2024 09:23

Works are expected to be completed in 2025.

Uisce Éireann says a midlands today. is one step closer to reducing the risk of sewer flooding.

It's after 3kms of new underground sewer pipes have been put in place as part of the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme.

Tunnelling works began in September 2023 in the Deerpark/Showgrounds area of the town.

The tunnel boring machine paved its way under the river, installing the pipeline and has now successfully arrived at Burgess Park.

Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering the Main Drainage Scheme on behalf of Uisce Éireann and the scheme is expected to be completed at the end of 2025.

Commenting on the importance of the successful completion of this phase of the project, Eunan Canavan, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “We are delighted that this essential capital investment for the people of Athlone is making steady progress. Completion of the first tunnel under the River Shannon is a massive milestone. We look forward to moving on to the next phase of works over Spring and into the Summer months and are working hard to deliver this important project while limiting the impact on the local community."

“The pumping station construction at Golden Island is also progressing well with work now well underway to sink the walls of the shaft to the correct level, which is a huge 20 meters below ground level. We are on track to have the base and internal walls completed on target. It isn’t very visible to the local community how much progress we are making as so much of this construction work is underground but would like the people of Athlone to be informed of just how well the delivery is progressing.’’

Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Liam McDaniel added: “I am delighted to see the significant progress being made on this critical project in Athlone. Completion of the tunnelling under the River Shannon is an important milestone in the delivery of this project. The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure, not only for our existing population but for our future growth, is vital so that we are ready to meet the opportunities of the coming years. I would like to thank Uisce Éireann and Westmeath County Council and commend them for their hard work, 24/7, to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.”