Athlone is set to benefit from one of the largest capital investments by Uisce Éireann to date with a landmark project to upgrade the town’s wastewater infrastructure which is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The €114 million project will safeguard the environment, enhance water quality in the River Shannon, and enable future growth and development. The project will also improve the capacity and operational performance of the existing sewers, significantly reducing the risk of sewer flooding to homes and businesses.

The Athlone Main Drainage Project involves the construction of new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, and almost 3km of new sewers.

The existing under-performing pumping stations and pipework will be decommissioned. Combined sewer overflows will be eliminated at six locations along the River Shannon and will be replaced by two new stormwater overflows designed to meet current licencing standards, improving water quality and safeguarding the environment.

The project represents a further step in the continued delivery of improvements to the wastewater infrastructure in Athlone, having already invested a further €5.6 million to upgrade the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Commenting on the project Eunan Canavan, Regional Infrastructure Delivery Lead at Uisce Éireann, said:

“We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Athlone.

“This project will enhance the local environment by alleviating sewer flooding and improving water quality in the Shannon for angling, water sports and marine life.

“It will also ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses while providing capacity for current and future growth and development.”