The government has approved a major upgrade of the water network in Athlone.
It's hoped the upgrade of the main drainage will increase capacity as well as allow for large enterprises to locate in the town.
The project is worth approximately €113m and as a result of its high cost, required sign-off by the Cabinet before being given the green light.
The project includes the construction of a new very large-scale pumping station at Golden Island, as well as another new pumping station at Coosan.
Also included in the plans is a 1.8km long new tunnelled sewer as well as another 1km long new open cut sewer and mains, as well as two further tunnelled crossings under the bed of the River Shannon.
Westmeath Longford TD and Minister of State Peter Burke says it's a huge boost for the town :
"This will underwrite Athlone's growth in terms of a sustainable manner ensuring it s has proper high-quality wastewater and water treatment for all its citizens."
The project works comprise the following:
- Construction of a new large-scale pumping station at Golden Island (adjacent to the River Shannon);
- Construction of a new pumping station at Coosan West to replace the existing pumping station;
- New rising main from Golden Island Pumping station to the WWTP;
- 1.8km of up to 1.2m diameter tunnelled sewers;
- 1km of open cut sewers and rising mains;
- Two 1.2m diameter tunnelled crossings under the bed of the River Shannon;
- Decommissioning of 5 existing collection system pumping stations; and
- Decommissioning of 6 existing storm water overflows, upgrading of 1 existing storm water overflow and provision of 1 new storm water overflow.
