Town developments face delays as EU seeks to protect mussel

Major housing and industrial developments along the Blackwater Valley in Co Cork are likely to be put on hold due to an EU directive aimed at protecting the freshwater pearl mussel.

As a result of the directive, Cork County Council will have to undertake a survey of the River Blackwater. If the mollusc is present in significant numbers, as is believed, it will have huge implications for future economic development in the region.

The problem came to light during a debate on the County Development Plan, at which council officials said they had no choice but to abide by the EU directive. Council chief executive Tim Lucey said it would hit the council’s plans to increase populations in a number of towns up to 2022.