Overview:
In April 2023, a €114 million project commenced in Athlone to upgrade the town’s wastewater infrastructure. This three-year initiative aims to address sewage overflows into the River Shannon during heavy rainfall, improving environmental quality and supporting sustainable urban growth.
CEO of Uisce Éireann, Niall Gleeson described the project as “a large undertaking for us and our delivery partners and marks another big milestone in our work to ensure that wastewater is adequately treated and meets appropriate standards before being safely discharged to the environment”
GGBS Supplier:
Kildea Concrete
Main Contractors:
Ward & Burke Construction Ltd
Challenges & Objectives:
- Prevent sewage overflows into the River Shannon to protect the local ecosystem
- Upgrade aging wastewater infrastructure to accommodate population growth
- Align with Ireland’s sustainability commitments and low-carbon construction policies
Solutions:
- Use of Low-Carbon Cement: Approximately 20,000 cubic metres of concrete will be used for the project. While there was no fixed percentage of GGBS due to multiple mix designs tailored to different parts of the project, GGBS content ranged from around 40% – 70%, with an estimated total of 4,000 ton of GGBS incorporated.
- Regulatory Compliance: Athlone Town is one of the locations cited in a 2019 European Court of Justice judgment against Ireland for failure to comply with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive regarding the discharge of untreated stormwater into sensitive areas. The scheme will eliminate the occasional sewer overflows at six locations and the construction of two new storm water drains.
- Future proof: The project will provide capacity for future housing growth and development of industry in the town.
Outcomes:
- The project involves constructing new pumping stations, installing almost 3 kilometres of sewer networks
- Expected completion within three years, enhancing wastewater management and preventing pollution in the River Shannon
- Carbon savings and improved infrastructure
The Athlone wastewater upgrade is a crucial infrastructure improvement that aligns with Ireland’s sustainability commitments. Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme on behalf of Uisce Éireann Ltd and the scheme is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2025.
