Westmeath County Council has appointed a joint venture, comprising Jennings O’Donovan & Partners and JB Barry & Partners Consulting Engineers, to undertake the detailed design and construction of Athlone main drainage improvement scheme.

The estimated cost of the project is €80m, of which €56m will be provided from central funds with the balance to be borne by Westmeath County Council.

The Athlone main drainage scheme is included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as part of the National Development Plan.

The principal elements of this project are a trunk sewer from Golden Island Pumping Station to Coosan Interchange with associated stormwater storage and pumping stations.

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It will also include a trunk sewer from Golden Island pumping station to Iona Park; and an pgrade of the existing Golden Island Waste Water Treatment Plant and pumping station.

Sewers and associated pumping facilities to lands zoned under the current Athlone Town and Environs Development Plans will also form part of the scheme.

Programmed to be carried out over a four year timeframe, the project is still subject to stage approvals and funding, However construction of the project could commence in 2011.

County Manager Daniel McLoughlin said: "Westmeath County Council is delighted to have secured funding to engage the design team.

"Both firms have extensive experience in the design and construction of large urban water and wastewater projects," said Mr McLoughlin.

"This appointment is an important milestone in the process of putting in place the infrastructure necessary to permit Athlone to develop and secure its status as a Linked Gateway Town for the Midland Region."

He added: "The scheme when completed, will also make a significant contribution to the protection of the environment."

(PR/BMcC)