Nest of invasive Asian hornets ‘safely removed’ in first for Ireland

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A nest of invasive Asian hornets has been “safely removed” by the wildlife service, in a first for Ireland.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) completed the “safe control and removal” of the nest from a site in Cork city.

It is the first recorded instance of a nest in Ireland, which posed a risk to native pollinators and commercial bee hives in the area.

Sightings of the invasive species caused significant concern about potential impacts to the local area, and fears of the hornet spreading further into the country.

The Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, said: “Since the first confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet in the Cork city area, just over a month ago, the NPWS has been working tirelessly with experts from the NBDC, NMI and with local beekeepers to locate a nest.

“Removing the nest today was a challenging, complex operation, conducted by NPWS officers for the first time in Ireland.”

Responding to further sightings of the hornet across Cork City, Cobh and in Inchicore, Dublin, Mr O’Sullivan said: “I’d like to reassure everyone that each of these is taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly when reported.”

The Department of Housing said intensive surveying and track-and-trace are being conducted to investigate evidence of further activity.

The nest was removed under strictly controlled conditions, following international best practice.

Ainle Ni Bhriain, director of EU and international affairs at NPWS, said: “The nest has now been transferred to the National Museum of Ireland for examination, as this is the first example of an Asian hornet nest in Ireland.

“Studying it will provide insights about its origins.”

Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of Asian hornet, along with a photograph, to the National Biodiversity Data Centre at www.invasives.ie.