An Taisce welcome the opportunity to take part in this public consultation in relation to producing a Plan for Forests & Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FPM) in Ireland as part of the national strategy for the conservation of the species. An Taisce supports the sustainable and balanced development of appropriate forestry in appropriate locations, and would like to make the following observations.

The ecologically sensitive licensing of forestry in FPM catchments is critically important in regard to FPM conservation. Forestry is acknowledged as being one of the primary threats to FPM conservation. If this species is to avoid extinction, then it is imperative that any conservation plans, and future forestry proposals, be adequately and thoroughly researched.

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