Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he intends to take in relation to the threatened extinction of the pearl mussel; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the water quality is in serious decline in the last nine rivers where the species exist; and his plans to tackle the eutrophication of these nine river sites and in particular to tackle the over-use of phosphates and nitrates in these areas. [22490/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are two types of freshwater pearl mussel in Ireland, one of which (Margaritifera durrovensis) is unique to a short stretch of the River Nore. The other (Margaritifera margaritifera) is more widespread. My Department has designated nineteen special areas of conservation for freshwater pearl mussel species.

Freshwater pearl mussels demand the highest level of water quality, and even slight deterioration jeopardises their future. Monitoring shows that none of the known Irish populations are in a favourable conservation status. This reflects the common position across Europe, although Ireland has one of the best surviving populations of freshwater pearl mussels in Europe. The current population declines and low breeding success are being caused by a general failure of water quality to meet the exacting demands of the species.

A captive breeding programme for the Nore pearl mussel is being supported by my Department and the National Roads Authority. This draws on experience gained in captive breeding of freshwater pearl mussels in Northern Ireland, and if these measures should prove successful, it is envisaged that they will be applied to other freshwater pearl mussel populations.

An all-Island Species Action Plan for freshwater pearl mussels is being prepared in consultation with the authorities in Northern Ireland, where similar problems are being faced. Guidelines for forestry operations in freshwater pearl mussel catchments will go to public consultation shortly. My Department and Coillte are carrying out research in the Owenriff River, Co. Galway, in an effort to come up with scientifically based management measures to ensure that forestry operations on peat do not cause problems for freshwater pearl mussels in that river.

Under the Water Framework Directive, it is mandatory that the water quality standards required for the freshwater pearl mussel be achieved at least within special areas of conservation designated for the species. My Department is working to develop appropriate standards and protocols to meet this requirement.