Traffic delays expected with work set to begin near Athlone schools

The opening weeks of the new school term could be impacted by traffic disruption in the vicinity of three secondary schools along Retreat Road in Athlone.

Irish Water announced today (Wednesday) that a watermain replacement project along Retreat Road will begin early next week and is expected to last until late September.

The project is due to see the replacement of almost 850 metres of old cast iron water mains between the Marist College and Killyon Hill.

In addition to the Marist, the area in question takes in Our Lady's Bower and Athlone Community College.

This project had initially been due to start in May, but it was postponed at that stage after concerns were expressed by local councillor Aengus O'Rourke about the impact it would have on students sitting State exams in the three nearby schools.

In its statement today, Irish Water said the pipe replacement work was necessary, and that the installation of new, modern pipes would improve water quality and reduce the number of bursts and supply outages locally.

The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers' property boundaries, as well as connections to customers' water supplies.

"Irish Water acknowledges the ongoing cooperation and patience of local residents and businesses in Athlone while we continue to deliver these vital water network improvement works to improve water quality and supply," stated Matt Thomson, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead with Irish Water.

"The size and scale of the leakage challenge nationally is well documented. These essential works together with the leakage savings and upgrade works to date will safeguard the water supply in Athlone now and into the future."

Irish Water said that the pipe replacement work would be "limited to short sections" in order to minimise the impact on the public.

"To facilitate the safe delivery of these works some traffic management may be necessary, however, local and emergency access will be maintained," it said.

"The works may involve some short-term supply interruptions which we understand may cause inconvenience. The project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.

"Irish Water and Westmeath County Council regret any inconvenience these improvement works may cause."

The works are to be carried out on behalf of Irish Water by the contractor GMC Utilities Ltd. They are "expected to be completed by the end of September 2022."