More invasive Asian Hornets and nests spotted in Ireland as public urged to remain vigilant

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed that there have been further sightings of Asian Hornets in Ireland, despite the successful removal of a nest last week.

As it stands, there have been 24 verified sightings of the invasive species and two nests have been found. Most of these sightings have been in Cork, while there has been one sighting in Dublin.

The news of these sightings follow last Friday's, 5 September, confirmation of the removal of an Asian Hornet nest from a site in Cork City. This was the first instance of a nest in Ireland, which posed a significant risk to native pollinators and commercial bee hives in the area. 

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Commenting on the announcement last week, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD 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."

He added: "I am aware of reports of further sightings of the Asian Hornet, and I’d like to reassure everyone that each of these is taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly when reported."

Áinle Ní Bhriain, Director of EU and International Affairs at NPWS, confirmed that the nest had been transferred to the National Museum of Ireland for examination in the hopes of providing insights about its origins.

The NPWS- led taskforce, the Asian Hornet Management Group will continue to monitor the situation in areas where sightings have been reported.

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