Survey sought on grouse nesting at Mayo wind farms

A Mayo Oireachtas member has called for a survey to establish the true impact of major infrastructural projects on nature.

Senator Paddy Burke said it was argued in Mayo that wind farms would have a big effect on grouse numbers.

But grouse are now nesting under the pylons, he pointed out.

He stated: "I would like surveys to be carried out in this regard.

"We have an area of diluvian woodland and an issue with regard to displacement of the freshwater pearl mussel by infrastructure.

"But does development have a detrimental effect on freshwater pearl mussels or do they just move on to another place?

"I understand that no trials have been done in this area. I would welcome if something was done in this regard."