More incursions of Asian Hornet expected in Ireland
The first Asian Hornet nest in Ireland has been safely removed from a site in Cork city, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed. The nest posed a risk to native pollinators and commercial bee hives in the area.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said the operation followed weeks of work with experts and local beekeepers.
“Removing the nest was a complex operation, carried out for the first time in Ireland. I want to thank the NPWS team and everyone in Cork who assisted,” he said. “Reports of further sightings are being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.”
Additional sightings have been confirmed in Cork and a single hornet has been verified in Dublin. NPWS is carrying out intensive surveys and monitoring to track any further activity.
The nest was removed under controlled conditions with guidance from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Irish Pest Control Association. It has been sent to the National Museum of Ireland for study to understand its origins.
Áinle Ní Bhriain of NPWS said the operation offered valuable insights. “This is Ireland’s first example of an Asian Hornet nest. Studying it helps us improve our response and prepare for future incursions,” she said.
The NPWS-led Asian Hornet Management Group will continue monitoring areas where sightings have been reported. Members of the public are urged to report any sightings with photographs at www.invasives.ie.
