This is a particularly important matter and I thank the Minister for his interest in it. I am raising the issue of the rapid and intense growth of the zebra mussel pest, particularly in Lough Derg and the waterways of north Tipperary. I am seriously concerned by the effects it is having on fisheries and tourism and its potential implications for domestic water supplies. I call on the Minister to act now and to put a plan of action in place to stop the damage being caused by the growth of the pest in Lough Derg, the waterways of north Tipperary and the rest of the country. This afternoon I was informed by Dan Minchen of the Marine Institute, one of the country's experts on this issue, that the zebra mussel has turned up on Lough Key. This is further evidence of the rapid growth of this pest and its ability of travel.
The pest is only in Ireland for two years but its growth has been intense. It is already causing major concern to anglers, boat owners, fishermen and environmentalists in the area I represent and in the Lough Derg region in general. It poses a serious threat to the public water supply. Many thousands of these mussels have already been found this year at the Coolbaun water treatment works on the lake shore north of Dromineer. The Minister may recall that this treatment works was installed a number of years ago to deal with a serious domestic water situation which presented itself in Nenagh. There is evidence that pipes are not only obstructed by mussels but that water for human consumption can be tainted by them and the waste left in their wake.
We need to know more about the pest and act before it does more damage to our water supply and our tourism industry. I hope the Minister will outline his plans for action in this regard.
The ecosystem of Lough Derg has already been affected by the mussel and we can expect more changes of an intense nature. Ironically, the mussel thrives where there is eutrophication, which is a problem in Lough Derg. Because of the strong growth of the mussel it is already carpeting the floor of the lake making the water clearer and leading to greater weed and algae growth. The waste left by the mussel is affecting the food chain of the fish population and, possibly, will directly effect the fish population in the future.
Studies of the effect of the zebra mussel on the ecosystem of the great lakes of North America show how its arrival has altered the food chain of those lakes, depriving it of energy and nutrients which support small plants and animals which in turn serve as a food base for young fish. The entire fish stock of these lakes has been placed in jeopardy and there is a real possibility that the same could happen in Lough Derg and any lake or waterway invaded by the pest.
The zebra mussel can also block pipes, including outflow pipes, and cause severe damage to water systems. Boats moored on Lough Derg, if not carefully monitored, can suffer engine damage due to the encrustation of these mussels, something which I believe has already happened. A boat moving from Lough Derg can, unless carefully cleaned, bring the pest elsewhere. I know advice is being given to boat owners, etc., but more careful monitoring and action is required.
The fisheries research centre has told me that the level of zebra mussel growth in Lough Derg is intense. Only recently the mussel turned up in Lough Key, suggesting its ability to travel is quite considerable. A small amount of weed on the bottom of a boat can contain the larvae of many thousands of zebra mussels with serious implications for our fisheries nationwide. The implications of the unchecked growth of the mussel are very serious.
I do not underestimate the problem, and I know the Minister does not either. The implications are extremely serious for our fishing and tourism industries and for our domestic water supply. I hope the Minister will tell the House of his plans for dealing with the problem and of the provision of necessary funding to conduct ongoing detailed research into it. It is not sufficient to rely on what has happened in other countries. The water systems of the country are potentially unique and the manner in which the mussel is thriving and growing at such a rate is potentially a unique scientific and marine phenomenon. In this context the problem needs careful and extensive research, which must be carried out rapidly. The zebra mussel will not go away. I do not consider, and I am sure the Minister does not consider, it a welcome visitor to the shores of our lakes and waterways. I look forward to the Minister's response to this urgent matter.