Protected freshwater mussel delays council plans for 900 houses in Cork 

Development in two of the county's largest towns is being hampered by an over-capacity sewage treatment plant and a protected species

A housing scheme in Fermoy is being held up because of the EU's protective status on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel, which lives in the nearby River Blackwater. Picture: Dr William O’Connor

Cork County Council will increase its construction of new homes this year, but is being hampered with plans to build houses in two towns.

While more than 900 plans are on course to be completed this year, an over-capacity sewage treatment plant and the protected freshwater pearl mussel are hampering plans in two of the county's biggest towns.