European Communities Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations 2009 (S.I. No. 296 of 2009).

These Regulations: set legally binding objectives for water quality in rivers, or parts of rivers, inhabited by freshwater pearl mussels Margaritifera and designated as Special Area of Conservation to protect those species; and provide for the achievement of those objectives. The Regulations require the Minister to carry out a programme of investigation and monitoring within each relevant river sub-basin and to prepare a programme of measures for the attainment of the ecological objectives in the appropriate rivers, or stretches therein; and to publish a sub-basin management plan for each relevant river. Public authorities shall control discharges into listed rivers.