Lakes must be kept free of mussels, says councillor

A COUNCILLOR yesterday called for measures to prevent the infestation of Kerry waterways by the zebra mussel.

The discovery of the highly invasive mussel in some West of Ireland lakes is a major setback and could lead to a serious deterioration of those lakes.

So far, no evidence of the pest has been found in Kerry, but Killarney-based Cllr Michael Gleeson has called on Kerry County Council and the fishery board to provide decontamination units to remove the tiny mussels from the hulls of boats and equipment being transported from one area to another.