Essential works on Uisce Éireann’s €114 million Athlone Main Drainage Scheme have now tunnelled past 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.
Photo: Aerial view of the Uisce Éireann site, Golden Island, Athlone.
The flagship Athlone Main Drainage Scheme is one of the largest capital investment projects of its kind in the country. 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 wastewater infrastructure project includes the completion of open trench 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 station 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.
Speaking about the project Eunan Canavan, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:
"Constructing a 21st century underground sewerage network through the heart of a historic, riverside town like Athlone comes with many challenges. The highly skilled project team is working hard on the ground to deliver these works safely and efficiently. While most of the construction is taking place underground using micro-tunnelling to minimise disruption, we recognise that delivering works of this scale can have an impact on the community. We’d like to thank the people of Athlone for their patience and continued support as we deliver this vital infrastructure for the long-term benefit of the town."
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.
Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering the project on behalf of Uisce Éireann Ltd and remains on track for completion by the end of 2025.
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