Raw sewage discharged onto Athlone callows

Published: Fri 17 Apr 2020, 9:54 AM

Last updated: Fri 17 Apr 2020, 10:56 AM

A pipe has been pumping raw sewage into a part of the Big Meadow of Athlone in recent days.

The pipe lies across land cleared by the Office of Public Works as part of its preparations for the construction of flood defences close to the west bank of the River Shannon, south of Athlone lock.

A video taken by a concerned member of the public.

The pipe is understood to transport sewage into the pipe system under the River Shannon to the wastewater treatment plant in Golden Island.

The issue was highlighted by Cllr Aengus O’Rourke who said as soon as he was informed about the pipe spewing raw sewage across the Big Meadow on the banks of the River Shannon he had to visit in order to see it for himself.

The Westmeath Independent has also visited the site.

Cllr O’Rourke said: "When I got there the pipe was gushing sewage across the land. This area is regularly used by the locals and townspeople as a popular walking route. The entire area is a designated Special Area of Conservation. The pipe was located approximately just 30 yards from the edge of the River Shannon and also approximately 150 yards from the Bastion Quay apartments.”

The River Shannon can be seen in the background, just 20 metres or so from where the pipe has been flowing.

“Without being too graphic, it was immediately obvious to me that this temporary pipe was carrying raw sewage.”

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke pictured at the scene this week.

It’s understood the issue arose last summer when Office of Public Works staff struck a main sewer when clearing land in advance of construction of the flood defences. They proceeded to repair the break in the pipe.

During the recent flooding crisis, it’s believed Westmeath County Council discontinued the use of this sewer to prevent sewerage backing up in flood-threatened properties in the area.

In recent days, the sewer was ‘switched back on’ and the sudden pressure is understood to have caused the repair work conducted the previous summer to come loose.

It's expected authorities will issue a formal statement on the matter today.

Stating that he was horrified by what he saw, Cllr O’Rourke said it came in the wake of a significant oil spill in the river.

“I informed Westmeath County Council as soon as I learned of the issue. They immediately sent staff from water services to the site.

“The pipe was quickly turned off soon after and a team from the council and Irish Water were on site working to repair the fault.”

“This issue also highlights the issues we have in Athlone in terms of our poor sewage and wastewater infrastructure (not to mention water). We need a new and expanded treatment plant for the town that will future proof us for decades to come. We also need a main drainage scheme to go ahead and eliminate our combined wastewater and sewage problems, and also do away with all waste discharge points into the river.

“In the meantime we need to get to the bottom of this current fiasco.”