Asian Hornet sighting in Cork prompts 'biosecurity alert' 

The government has established a new task force, following a recent sighting and capture of an Asian Hornet in Cork.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) confirmed the sighting and subsequent capture yesterday, stating that the incident marks a biosecurity alert for Ireland.

While Asian Hornets pose a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland, as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations, it does not pose a significant public health risk.

The sighting has triggered a government-led response, with the establishment of the Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG), chaired by the NPWS.

Early detection

The Minister of State for nature, heritage, and biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said that we must take “even a single sighting very seriously This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species. I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian Hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity.”

This is the second verified identification of this species in Ireland; the first was in the Dublin area in 2021, which was not associated with a wild viable population.

Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s Alien Watch reporting portal at: https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/invasives.