Coillte denies it is being held to ransom by pearl mussel restrictions

COILLTE has denied it is being held to ransom for millions of euro in lost revenue by a small mollusc.

Last May the government imposed a moratorium on clear felling of trees in areas which are catchment areas for the pearl mussel, a protected creature under European law whose population is highest in this country. That came after high levels of pollution were detected in the waters.

The mussel is an indicator of water quality as it is extremely sensitive to pollution and can suffocate as a result of it.