Project Summary
Coffey delivered a major upgrade of the wastewater network in Athenry, County Galway, on behalf of Uisce Eireann. The project modernised ageing infrastructure, reduce the risk of sewer flooding, and support future population growth. It improved the capacity and performance of the sewerage system, enhanced water quality in the receiving environment, and ensured compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The scheme provides long-term benefits for the community by enabling sustainable development, protecting the local environment, and delivering robust wastewater infrastructure capable of supporting the needs of current and future residents.
Project Description
The Athenry Sewerage Scheme Network Upgrade involved the design, construction, testing, and commissioning of extensive new wastewater infrastructure across Athenry. Key elements included the decommissioning of outdated infrastructure, construction of new gravity sewers and rising mains, and delivery of a new main pumping station located beside the Pairc na hAbhainn housing estate. The project included complex crossings of the River Clarin and two Irish Rail lines, construction through residential areas and school grounds, and work within the urban centre of Athenry. Delivered under live traffic and challenging ground conditions, the scheme required detailed traffic management, stakeholder coordination, and strict environmental controls to minimise disruption and ensure safe, efficient delivery.
Scope of Works
The works included:
- Decommissioning of a combined sewer overflow at North Gate Street in central Athenry.
- Replacement and upgrade of sewers from Cuirt Ard/Caheroyan Road junction to Caheroyan Pumping Station.
- Removal of existing above-ground infrastructure at Caheroyan Pumping Station.
- Construction of a new sewer from the decommissioned Caheroyan Pumping Station, including a crossing of the River Clarin.
- Construction of a second new sewer from North Gate, crossing the River Clarin at Bridge Street to a new pumping station at Pairc na hAbhainn.
- Installation of a rising main from the new pumping station to Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), crossing the R348.
- New 2.4m boundary fencing and stormwater overflow outfall at the pumping station site.
- Decommissioning and removal of an existing on-site package WWTP.
- Construction of a third new sewer beginning at Raheen, crossing school lands and two railway lines, and connecting into the Clarin College sewer network.
- Installation of a new access gate at Caheroyan Drive for maintenance and agricultural access.
Technical Highlights
- Excavation of the new pumping station using a cofferdam; rock breaking at 4m depth; reuse of crushed site-won stone for backfill.
- Installation of anti-floatation ballast slabs for the pumping station and storm tanks.
- Steel casing installed via pipe ramming under two railway lines; sewer pipes installed within cleared casings.
- Concrete pumping station constructed at Pairc na hAbhainn.
2 No. pumps, static mixer, screen, gantry crane, and 8 No. penstocks. - MCC panel and control kiosk installed; integration of level sensors and flow meters.
- Over 60 traffic management plans implemented; lane and road closures with detailed pedestrian diversions; reverse parking, flagmen, and banksmen used throughout.
Environmental and Community Engagement
- Managed challenging groundwater and boulder obstructions using larger plant and extended closures in coordination with Galway County Council.
- Deployed silt netting, settlement ponds, and a silt buster for controlled water discharge.
- Reused crushed stone as backfill to minimise imported material.
- Wildflower planting introduced around the new pumping station to enhance biodiversity.
- Regular engagement with Irish Rail during rail crossing planning and licensing.
- Effective communication with Athenry Tidy Towns, Christmas Lights organisers, councillors, and the public.
- Public updates issued via social media to minimise disruption during high-profile events.
To learn more about Coffey’s work in water or waste management, or to discuss future opportunities, please contact us at 091 844356 or info@coffeygroup.com.
