Pictured at a tree planting ceremony to mark the official opening of the €114m Athlone Main Drainage Scheme were, l-r, Daniil Derepa, Maria O’Dwyer, Uisce Éireann, Dorothea Kilin, Niall Gleeson, CEO Uisce Éireann, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, Minister of State, Robert Troy TD, Iola Healy, Athlone-Moate Municipal District Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, OPW Minister, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Abdul Otorukooba.

Major milestone as €114m Athlone Main Drainage Scheme officially opened

Ronan Fagan

Published: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 1:11 PM

Last updated: Thu 30 Apr 2026, 1:17 PM

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, officially opened the landmark €114m Athlone Main Drainage Scheme in Golden Island this morning (Thursday).

The milestone occasion represents the most significant investment in wastewater infrastructure ever to take place in Athlone.

The scheme will increase the capacity for future residential and industry growth while also reducing the risk of sewer flooding and allowing for improved water quality in the River Shannon.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Browne noted the critical importance of the investment.

“The completion of the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme marks a major milestone for the town and represents one of the most significant investments ever made by the State in wastewater infrastructure," the Minister said.

“The Government is making unprecedented investments in water and wastewater infrastructure nationwide, helping towns like Athlone to grow sustainably and protect our environment for generations to come.

“The completion of this project future proofs Athlone for continued growth, supports a thriving local economy and delivers lasting environmental benefits for the Shannon and the wider region."

Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director with Uisce Éireann, acknowledged the support and co-operation of the community through the construction phase of the works.

"Their support over the past three years was vital to the successful delivery of the project," she said.

Athlone-Moate Municipal District Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, said the scheme will ensure that Athlone is ready for future growth and expansion.

"This scheme will enable homes to be built, businesses to expand, and communities to thrive," Cllr O'Rourke said.

Acknowledging all stakeholders associated with the scheme, the Deputy Mayor said the scheme's official opening was a "proud day for Athlone".

"It is a day that reflects ambition, delivery, and belief in the future of our town," Cllr O'Rourke said.

Minister Browne was joined at the official opening by Minister of State Robert Troy and OPW Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.

Also in attendance were Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council, Barry Kehoe, along with local Councillors, TDs, community representatives and members of the project team.

Having commenced in December 2022, works on the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme took place at a number of locations, Golden Island, The Quay, Abbey Road, Coosan West, Burgess Park, The Strand, Payne’s Lane.

The works included the construction of new higher volume underground pumping stations in Golden Island and Coosan West, almost 3km of new sewers, and the decommissioning and demolition of the existing pumping station and pipework on Abbey Road. Two Shannon tunnel crossings were also a focal construction part of the project.