Sir, - In Sean McConnell's Midlands Report (August 10th) dealing with zebra mussels, no reference is made to the danger posed to bathers and children, paddling in bare feet, by the razor sharp shells of dead mussels which now infest the surface of rocks and lake bottom in bathing areas.
These shells will of course continue to proliferate. Warning signs should be displayed at public resorts on the Shannon advising the wearing of bathing shoes. A relative of mine got a bad cut recently which required medical attention to clean out broken pieces of mussel shell.
It is not correct to say "the presence of zebra mussels has greatly improved the quality of the water on Shannon lakes". The water looks clear but it is not cleaner. At present this part of Lough Derg (Youghal Bay) is infested with mussels and bright green algae. - Yours, etc.,
Michael & Martha Gill, Dromineer, Co Tipperary.