An underground pipeline crossing beneath the River Shannon has been completed as part of a three-year plan to reduce sewer flooding in Athlone, Co Westmeath.
The 1.2m-high tunnel is the first of this scale for wastewater under the river.
Tunnelling works for Uisce Éireann’s €114m wastewater project in Athlone began in September 2023.
These works started in the Deerpark Showgrounds and bore underground to install the pipeline under the river which has now arrived at Burgess Park.
Commenting on the completion of this phase of the project, Eunan Canavan, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: "We are delighted that this essential capital investment for the people of Athlone is making steady progress.
"Completion of the first tunnel under the River Shannon is a massive milestone.
"We look forward to moving on to the next phase of works over spring and into the summer months and are working hard to deliver this important project while limiting the impact on the local community."
The Athlone Main Drainage Scheme is one of Uisce Éireann’s largest projects to date and involves the construction of new pumping stations at Golden Island and Coosan West, and almost 3km of new underground sewer pipes.
Mr Canavan said the pumping station construction at Golden Island is also progressing.
He said: "Work is now well underway to sink the walls of the shaft to the correct level, which is a huge 20 meters below ground level.
"We are on track to have the base and internal walls completed on target.
"It isn’t very visible to the local community how much progress we are making as so much of this construction work is underground but would like the people of Athlone to be informed of just how well the delivery is progressing.’’
Ward and Burke Construction Ltd is delivering the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Liam McDaniel also acknowledged the progress being made on the project to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services.
He said: "Completion of the tunnelling under the River Shannon is an important milestone in the delivery of this project.
"The provision of adequate wastewater infrastructure, not only for our existing population, but for our future growth, is vital so that we are ready to meet the opportunities of the coming years."
