The European Commission has given the Government a final written warning that water quality has declined to unacceptable levels in shellfish farming areas, and that it will take legal action unless the situation is dealt with.
The Department of the Marine says it is working with local authorities to meet the requirements of the commission.
The Irish Shellfish Association began action two years ago claiming that successive governments were not meeting the requirements of the EU Directive Protecting Shellfish waters.
450 companies are involved in farming mussels, oysters, clams and scallops around the coast, but only 14 areas have been designated by the Government under the directive, meaning that the waters are considered up to satisfactory EU standards.
The Shellfish Association took its complaints to Europe, claiming that the industry which it says is worth €30m to the economy annually, was being adversely affected.
Now the EU has issued the Government with a final written warning that not enough areas are up to standard, and that there is evidence of a decline in water quality in a number of places due to development and lack of effective waste water treatment and warning that this could present a risk to public health.
The Government could face substantial fines if things are not changed. The Department of the Marine said it is working with local authorities to satisfy EU requirements.
