Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that following the initial identification, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) of the Asian Clam (Corbicula Fluminea)in the ‘hot water’ stretch and ‘cut’ areas of Lough Ree at Lanesborough, early action was taken to close the fishery and erect public warning signs to reduce the threat of further spread.I visited the site at the initial stages and met with local representatives and community groups. The fishery reopened, with strict biosecurity conditions, very shortly after the outbreak. The design and build of a disinfection station prototype has been completed and four units, funded by ESB have been installed on site.

While IFI has no statutory remit as regards Alien Invasive Species, they are coordinating the response actions of a range of State bodies. Following these initial steps, IFI also conducted a comprehensive scientific survey to provide critical information on the nature and extent of the infestation.

Since it discovered the outbreak IFI has been facilitating and chairing meetings of relevant Agencies, including Waterways Ireland, the ESB, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bord Na Mona and Longford and Roscommon County Councils. The cross agency group has agreed a plan to carry out a trial dredge operation on the “hot water” stretch. This trial will inform on the feasibility and success rate of the method(s) to be used in any larger scale operation. Consultation with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is also underway as regards disposal.

I am advised that the trial dredge will commence once water levels facilitate an operation which is safe for personnel and which takes precaution against further spread. I am advised that equipment to carry out the trial is already on site while the appropriate weather window and water level is awaited. IFI, on behalf of the Agency Group, has kept local stakeholders advised of developments as they occur and will provide further updates closer to the commencement of the trial operation.

However, it is important to understand that Asian Clam, like many other aquatic invasive species, is extremely pervasive in the environment, and once in a water body it is likely that operations will be focused on managing the infestation rather than eradication.