Cattle trained to pump own water in drive to clean up rivers in North Cork

Cattle are being trained to pump water for themselves as part of a unique project which could lead to clean rivers and the green light for further residential and industrial development in North Cork.

The EU has issued a protection order on the freshwater pearl mussel, which is present in large numbers in the River Blackwater and its tributaries.

There are fears that excess silt in the rivers and below-standard sewage treatment plants are affecting the mussels’ breeding and as a result planned residential and industrial development has been put on hold.