Published: Friday, 25th September, 2009 12:00pm

Athlone sewerage problems must be remedied before European Triathlon

by Tadhg Carey

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The European Triathlon Championships are approaching fast.

July 2010 is only around the corner and with it, possibly tens of thousands of visitors to Athlone to participate and witness one of the greatest sporting events that will ever be hosted in the town.

We have known about the championship for several years now. And we have known that we could be greeting many of the competitors with raw sewage floating along the Shannon.

In the event of heavy rainfall in the hours or days before the European Championships, our existing sewerage system will spew flood waters and untreated sewage into the River Shannon, where the swimmers will participate.

This is not a flaw, this is the how the combined sewerage outflow is designed to operate.

The upgrade, or indeed, elimination, depends mainly on the progress of the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme, which has been embroiled in red tape and funding shortfalls for some time.

It seems as if the powers that be are happy to take the chance that all will be alright on the day.

For too long this problem has been quietly brushed under the carpet - with many afraid to highlight what could be a severe embarrassment for the town.

Cllr Gabrielle McFadden should be congratulated for having the courage to raise the matter officially this week. And whilst the funding to initiate the huge Athlone Main Drainage Scheme may not be available in this economic climate, there must be money provided for a temporary remedy.

There is still time for a solution, even if only piecemeal

There is the potential for huge negative publicity for Athlone - and we hope that the Government takes heed for Cllr McFadden's call.