Asian-Hornet-1-1200x675 Asian Hornet Invasion? First Irish Nest Neutralised — Asian Hornet

Ireland has removed its first Asian hornet nest, with wildlife officials warning the invasive species poses a serious threat to native pollinators and honey production if it becomes established.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) confirmed that the nest was taken from a site in Cork city last week following a complex operation carried out with guidance from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Irish Pest Control Association.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan praised the coordinated response. “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.”

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), native to Asia, preys on honeybees and other pollinators. A single hornet can kill dozens of bees in a day, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity, and commercial beekeeping. The species has spread rapidly across parts of Europe since first arriving in France in 2004, where it has proved almost impossible to eradicate.

Additional sightings have since been confirmed in Cork, and a single hornet has been verified in Dublin. NPWS teams are carrying out intensive surveys and monitoring to detect any further activity.

asian-hornet-1200x675 Asian Hornet Invasion? First Irish Nest Neutralised — L-R Claire Deasy (NPWS), Sam Bayley (NPWS) and David Law (David Law Tree Care) following the removal of the nest.

Áinle Ní Bhriain of the NPWS said the Cork nest provided valuable lessons. “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 reported sightings, and officials are urging members of the public to remain vigilant. Suspected sightings can be reported with photographs via www.invasives.ie.