WATCH: New tunnel under River Shannon links east and west Athlone

Uisce Éireann has announced a milestone in the multi-million euro Athlone Main Drainage Scheme, with the completion of a second underwater tunnel beneath the River Shannon, linking the town’s sewer network from east to west.

The €114 million main drainage project, which is designed to future-proof Athlone's wastewater infrastructure, has been underway since 2023 and is scheduled to be completed later this year.

In a statement today (Thursday) Uisce Éireann outlined how the new tunnel was created.

"Guided by expert diving and tunnelling crews, the giant tunnel boring machine was lowered into an eight-metre-deep launch shaft on the river’s east bank at the Strand Car Park," the utility stated.

"It carved its way through gravel and rock, beneath the riverbed, and re-emerged 22 days later at the receiving shaft outside Sean's Bar on the west side."

Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, Eunan Canavan, said: "The successful completion of the second, and final, River Shannon crossing is a critical milestone in the delivery of this ambitious project that will shape the future of Athlone.

"The finish line is now clearly in sight with works over 80% complete. We'd like to thank the expert construction crews involved and, of course, the community in Athlone for their ongoing support as we deliver this critical project to protect the environment and support growth."

Commenting on the project, Councillor Liam McDaniel, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, said: "Linking Athlone’s sewer system under the Shannon is a huge step forward for the town.

"It's not something people see every day, but it's a major engineering feat that will really benefit the community – helping protect the environment and making sure our infrastructure is ready for future growth."

A video was also issued by Uisce Éireann on the creation of the new underwater tunnel, and you can watch it here:

Outlining the remaining works to be carried out as part of the €114 million project, Uisce Éireann said the final phase of tunnelling from the Strand car park was "well underway".

"Cross connection works, to facilitate the connection of the existing and new sewer networks, will continue at various locations around the town in the coming months.

"Testing and commissioning of the Coosan West Pump Station is also ongoing, and commissioning of the new terminal pumping station in Golden Island will be carried out in the summer," a spokesperson added.

In addition to the construction of the new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme involves the installation of almost three kilometres of new underground sewer pipes.