Asian hornet: Confirmed sighting in Ireland of insect that poses biodiversity threat

A new taskforce has been set up after a confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet in Ireland.

The insect – also known as the yellow-legged hornet – feeds on native bees and wasps, damaging biodiversity.

The individual sighting was made by a member of the public in Cork, and the hornet was captured.

In a statement, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said the Asian hornet poses a "significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland", but the discovery is not a major public health risk.

"The sighting has triggered a Government-led response with the establishment of a new taskforce," the statement said.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said hornets are a "threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity".

"We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS [National Parks and Wildlife Service] responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area," he said.

Asian hornets are native to southeast Asia but can be transported around the world in cargo. They are widespread in mainland Europe and are increasingly getting blown across to southern England.

Anyone who suspects they have seen an Asian hornet is being asked to report it to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.