PICTURED: First Asian Hornet nest in Ireland is 'safely removed' as new concerns emerge

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed it has safely removed Ireland’s first known Asian Hornet nest, marking a significant step in protecting native pollinators and commercial bee populations.

The nest, located in Cork city, was removed following weeks of intensive tracking and investigation and will now undergo further examination.

In an update, the NPWS says the nest was removed under strictly controlled conditions and that its personnel received support from an expert from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Irish Pest Control Association.

The nest, which was reportedly very active and growing, has now been transferred to the National Museum of Ireland for further examination, providing valuable insights into the origins and behaviour of this invasive species.

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Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has praised the operation, saying: “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 and local beekeepers to locate a nest. Removing it today was a challenging, complex operation. I want to pay tribute to the team for their skill and speed in doing so safely, and to thank the public and local businesses in Cork for their co-operation.”

Áinle Ní Bhriain, Director of EU and International Affairs at NPWS, explained: “This is the first example of an Asian Hornet nest in Ireland. Studying it will help us strengthen our response to this invasive species, which poses a serious threat to native wildlife and bee populations.”

Further sightings of Asian Hornets have been confirmed in East Cork, with an individual sighting in Dublin also verified. The NPWS-led Asian Hornet Management Group will continue to monitor affected areas and carry out intensive survey and trace operations.

Members of the public are urged to report any sightings of Asian Hornets, accompanied by a photograph, to the National Biodiversity Data Centre here.

This operation represents a critical early response in preventing the establishment of the species in Ireland, following its continued spread across Europe.