Shellfish farmers welcome new laws to protect bays

Shellfish farmers have welcomed new laws being introduced by the Government to protect 14 bays around the coast against pollution.

The Government was forced to act after the Irish Shellfish Association took action four years ago to the European Commission.

Under the new laws, water quality must be kept at a high standard in the 14 listed bays and all pollution incidents must be investigated immediately and resolved by the local authority.

The law is eventually expected to be extended to another 80 locations nationwide.