Irish Water to submit application for CPO for Athlone sewerage project

Irish Water is submitting an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order to An Bord Pleanála to progress the Athlone Main Drainage Sewer Network Upgrade.

Irish Water says it is working in partnership with Westmeath County Council on the project “to safeguard the environment and provide for future growth and development in the town.”

In a statement, Irish Water said: “When completed, the project will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in Athlone and reduce sewer overflows to the River Shannon. It will also improve the capacity of the sewer network, allowing for current and future population growth and economic development.

“The project involves the construction of new pumping stations in Golden Island and Coosan West, and the construction of almost 3km of sewer network. It will also involve the removal of six existing overflows and the construction of two new overflows designed to Irish Water standards as well as connecting the new and existing sewer networks together.”

The most notable feature of the new plan, believed to involve an estimated investment of at least €30m, are two new sewer tunnels to be built under the Shannon crossing from west to east.

A 235-metre tunnel is to be constructed under the River Shannon linking Burgess Park to the west bank of the river at The Big Meadow.

And a separate 100m tunnel is also planned to convey sewage from the Quay Road on the west bank to a new sewer in The Strand car park on the eastern side of the river.

Irish Water said consultations have been ongoing with landowners. However, it was unable to acquire all of the required wayleaves and lands on a voluntary basis and has submitted an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to An Bord Pleanála.

“The CPO, which is essential for the delivery of this project and pursuant to the provisions of the Water Services Act, 2007 (as amended), is needed to allow Irish Water to formally obtain the necessary lands and wayleaves required for this project.”

The public notice for the CPO is published in this week's Westmeath Independent.

Irish Water said the timeline for the commencement of works is subject to the CPO statutory approvals, however, it is expected that the construction contract will be signed in the second half of 2022 and information events for businesses, residents and elected representatives will be held prior to the commencement of works.

Eunan Canavan, Irish Water, said: “Irish Water is continuing to progress this project to upgrade Athlone’s wastewater infrastructure. “The Athlone Main Drainage Sewer Network Upgrade project will safeguard the environment by reducing sewer overflows to the River Shannon.

“It will ensure that the wastewater infrastructure meets the needs of homes and businesses in Athlone and surrounding areas whilst also providing capacity for future growth and development.”

Mr Canavan said Irish Water had already invested €5.6m to increase the capacity of the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant from 30,000 to 36,000 Population Equivalent (PE). These works were completed in June 2018.

For more information on this project, visit the Irish Water website at www.water.ie/projects-plans/athlone-main-drainage-scheme/