State agencies are attempting to draw up a strategic plan to deal with the threat to Irish freshwaters from zebra mussels, which have been discovered in Ireland for the first time.
The ESB, which commissioned a study to establish the extent of the foulant species here, hosted a meeting this week. It is also to stage an international scientific meeting in Ireland with a view to improving Irish expertise on controlling zebra mussels, which not only cause severe ecological difficulties but economic problems where they take hold.
"The purpose was to arrive at a consensus among the relevant bodies on a way forward for the control of species and protection of Irish inland waterways," an ESB spokeswoman said.
Zebra mussels are not unlike edible mussels but can be distinguished by their zig-zag variegated surface.
The agencies were briefed on the potential threat to Irish lake eco-systems, wildlife and enterprise, and given details of the study on the River Shannon by Dr Kieran McCarthy of UCG.
Those present included representatives of the Marine Institute, the Central Fisheries Board, some local authorities, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland and the Department of Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and Islands.
They examined the setting-up of a monitoring programme and re search requirements with a view to drawing up protocols suited to the Irish environment. A recent study published by Great Lakes Research Review found that where the mussels had spread in the eastern US, it coincided with severe economic difficulties.
A majority of facilities dependent on raw water for the operation - such as power stations, water-treatment plants, industrial facilities and navigation bodies - had to pay significant amounts to control the mussel species which blocks pipes and turbines.
It is not known how it was introduced to Ireland but all major waterways are threatened.
Among 436 facilities examined, 339 had to spend money controlling Zebra mussels; amounting to $69 million between 1989 and 1995, according to the study by New York Sea Grant and the National Zebra Mussel Information Clearinghouse.
The international meeting will be staged at University College Galway from February 19th to 21st and co-hosted with the university, Queen's University and Ir-Am Aqua.
