Ireland is taking further steps to guard against the invasive Asian Hornet following the successful removal of two nests in Cork this summer.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, chaired the final meeting of the Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG) this week and announced that a new interdepartmental group will be established over the winter.

The group will plan and coordinate responses to any future sightings and engage with stakeholders across relevant sectors.

The AHMG was convened in August after the first confirmed sighting in Cork city. It brought together the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the National Museum of Ireland.

Swift action, close collaboration with local beekeepers, and reports from the public led to the discovery and removal of both nests.

“Invasive species such as the Asian Hornet can have a serious impact across biodiversity and economic sectors,” Minister O’Sullivan said. He praised the “expertise, swift action, and collaboration” of all involved and singled out NPWS officials Ainle Ni Bhriain and Declan O’Donnell for their leadership of the multi-agency response.

The Minister encouraged the public to continue reporting unusual sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre and said that lessons learned from Cork will guide the new group in preparing Ireland for any future incursions.