Tunnelling works have commenced in Athlone as part of a €114m wastewater upgrade project.
The latest developments involves the installation of an additional 2.8km of new sewers to convey wastewater from homes and businesses to the local treatment plant.
The works will see the use of a new technique called micro-tunnelling, which uses a tunnel boring machine to minimise disruption to the community.
The new method will see much of the work taking place underground, meaning less need for roads and property to be excavated.
Works will take place over the course of the project at a number of locations including Golden Island, West Side, Abbey Road, Coosan West and Burgess Park, along with two separate tunnelled crossings under the River Shannon.
Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, Eunan Canavan says that the project will significantly reduce the risk of soeur flooding to homes and businesses in the area.
