Major water pipes overhaul for Retreat area in coming weeks
A significant infrastructural project in which more than 400 metres of old and broken water mains will be replaced in the Retreat Heights area of Athlone is due to get underway later this month.
There will be some traffic delays and temporary water supply disruptions for local residents as a result of the work, which is being carried out by GMC Utilities, on behalf of Irish Water, and is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Athlone councillor Aengus O'Rourke welcomed the project, saying residents in the Retreat area had long experienced issues with water pressure, supply, and occasional discolouration.
"Thankfully, over the coming weeks Irish Water, working in partnership with Westmeath County Council, will progress the Athlone scheme to replace old water mains around the town by next targeting the Retreat area," stated Cllr O'Rourke.
"This work, when complete, will improve the security of supply, water pressure and also reduce the high levels of leakage in the area."
The old water mains in Retreat Heights are due to be replaced with new, high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes which is expected to reduce the number of bursts and water outages and will ensure a reliable supply of water for residents.
"The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers' property boundaries and connecting it to the customer's water supply.
"Where existing service connections on the public side are lead, these will be replaced as part of this improvement work," said Cllr O'Rourke.
"I have impressed upon Irish Water and Westmeath County Council the need to minimise the impact on residents and traffic in the area during the works.
"They have assured me that they will work in short sections as this will be more easily managed from a local traffic point of view. However, traffic management may be in place during this time to facilitate the safe delivery of these works, local and emergency access will always be maintained.
"I am informed by Irish Water that the works may involve some short-term supply disruptions. I have asked that residents are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages, and this has been agreed," he said.