Written question asked by David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 6 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 December 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Zebra Mussels

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to deal with the outbreak of zebra mussels in Lough Neagh.

Answer: I can confirm that zebra mussels have become established in Lough Neagh at Kinnego Marina. They are expected to spread and reach maximum numbers in three or four years time. This will have uncertain implications for fish, birds, water abstraction, navigation and other interests within the Lough. Nothing can be done to eradicate them or prevent their spread within Lough Neagh.Officials are investigating their present distribution and putting in place a monitoring programme to track their future expansion and impact on other biological elements in the lake. Users have been alerted to the situation and we will work closely with them to develop mitigation measures.

Secondary information