Community art project illuminates path to protect River Shannon
As Athlone gears up for the summer season, Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Westmeath County Council, is making significant progress on the Athlone Main Drainage Sewerage Scheme. Advancing with the installation of nearly three kilometres of underground sewer pipes, the project moves closer to its primary objective of mitigating sewer flooding risks in Athlone and addressing non-compliant sewer overflows into the River Shannon.
On Thursday, April 11 a burst of vibrant hues illuminated Uisce Éireann’s hoarding as students from St Mary’s Primary School and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), joined forces to create a captivating masterpiece. In collaboration with Ward & Burke Construction Limited and Tidy Towns Athlone, together they adorned the hoarding surrounding the primary compound of the Athlone Main Drainage Sewerage Scheme in Burgess Park.
Embracing the theme of 'Protecting Athlone’s Waterways Together,' the hoarding now showcases vibrant outlines of colourful handprints, symbolising the community spirit intrinsic to this project and its significance for the town. Mayor Louise Heavin, TUS lecturers Nicola Ryan, Dr Emma Reardon, and Dr Noelín Fox, along with Athlone Tidy Town’s member Gerry Johnson, further reinforced this sense of unity and community involvement during the event.
Highlighting the significance of community involvement, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, Eunan Canavan, said: "The art piece on the hoarding stands as a vibrant symbol of community. Engaging students in its creation reinforces our shared commitment to safeguarding Athlone's waterways."
Continuing, Mr Canavan noted\; "As we progress with the Athlone Main Drainage Sewerage Scheme, our priority remains on enhancing the resilience of Athlone's infrastructure. Each advancement brings us closer to protecting the community from sewer flooding and ensuring the sustainable protection of our waterways."
Ward and Burke Construction Limited is delivering the Athlone Main Drainage Scheme on behalf of Uisce Éireann and the scheme is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
Uisce Éireann will continue to engage with the local community throughout the duration of the project. For more information, visit the project page at www.water.ie/projects-plans/athlone-main-drainage-scheme/.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.